Caroline Garcia on daunting task of facing Iga Swiatek at WTA Finals – ‘She’s a challenge just by herself’

The WTA Finals begin on Monday, pitting together the top eight singles players and doubles teams, and Iga Swiatek is the name on everyone’s lips after another stellar season.

“She lost very few matches. I won against her in Poland, but it was very different condition, clay court. She was playing in Poland, and it was probably her first time.

“It’s a whole different match for sure. It’s group stage as well. I will try to play my game, be aggressive. That’s my way of playing, and that’s probably the best chance I have to beat her.”

Garcia begins with a match against Coco Gauff on Wednesday, and the No. 6 seed feels she has benefited from an extended period of rest after San Diego.

“I feel like the conditions were totally different [from San Diego], and right now, I need to adjust to the ball basically again because we play with US Open Regular Duty. I have to just put more energy in that and in controlling the ball,” she explained.

“But the preparation went well. We did everything we planned. I was able to recover. I felt really sore after these two tournaments. I feel more fresh right now, and that’s all that matters because I’m able to give my all during matches.”

This is Garcia’s first appearance at the finals since 2017 after making impressive progress this campaign, reaching her first major semi-final at the US Open and securing that aforementioned victory over Swiatek at the Poland Open.

“I would have preferred to come back a little bit earlier, but I’m already glad I’m coming back and I get to live this experience again,” she added.

“It’s a gift after a very tough and very good season, and really proud of the work.

“Yes, Singapore was a long time ago. I qualified last-minute and very unexpected. I’m not going to say this one was expected. It’s kind of the same situation.”