Iga Swiatek delights in ‘one of the best performances’ after beating Aryna Sabalenka to win Stuttgart title

In a battle of the top two-ranked players in the world, it was the world No. 1 who came out on top 6-3 6-4 to win the 13th title of her career.

But she dropped just one set across the week and was impressive in beating Sabalenka.

“Honestly, when I came here I wasn’t expecting to play that well,” Swiatek told AP.

“So I am pretty happy to be in that place and holding the trophy, it’s a really wonderful time.

“I am proud of myself and the team that we were able to get better and better every match. For sure, the final today was so intense, I am just happy that I was able to keep the good level.

“It’s one of the best performances I have played, but every tournament is different. Some things you have to take into consideration for sure, you know, coming back from injury and not feeling perfectly in terms of my level at the beginning of the tournament made it even more special that I can pay so well tonight. So, I am happy yeah.”

Swiatek is now 13-3 in WTA singles finals and holds a 5-2 win-loss record against Sabalenka.

The result also underlines her status as the favourite for the French Open, which starts in a month.

Swiatek will be the defending champion in Paris and will be aiming to win the fourth Grand Slam title of her career.

“I am preparing for that but I don’t want to get my expectations high,” she added.

“In tennis, we have to work on every match and there’s a long way from the beginning of the tournament to the end, so I am just going to keep doing my work day by day.”

Swiatek is next playing at the Madrid Open this week.

The world No. 1, who missed the tournament last year due to injury, will face either British No. 1 Emma Raducanu or a qualifier in the first round.

Sabalenka could open against Sorana Cirstea, who recently upset the world No. 2 in the quarter-finals of the Miami Open.

The main draw starts on Tuesday, April 25.

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