Iga Swiatek has nothing to ‘prove’ ahead of Sunshine Double bid at Miami Open – ‘In a different place’

As she looks to complete the Sunshine Double for the second time, Iga Swiatek says she feels in a “different place” to when she did it in 2022.

Two years ago, Swiatek was elevated to world No. 1 after Ashleigh Barty’s shock retirement.

She appeared to take it perfectly in her stride as she won Indian Wells and then the Miami Open to kickstart her 37-match winning streak.

But as she bids to become only the fourth player to win the Sunshine Double twice, Swiatek has revealed much has changed with her mentality.

“For sure, I’m in a different place,” she said ahead of her Miami opener against Camila Giorgi.

“I really learned so much and I kind of proved a lot. I feel like that was the main theme at that time two years ago, to prove to everybody that I’m in the right place.

“So now I don’t feel like I need to do that. I feel like I already kind of did my job pretty well and I want to continue that. I feel like for sure I feel more peacefully and just that I’m in the right place, and I’m doing great job.”

The only other players to have won the Sunshine Double twice are Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Steffi Graf.

If she plays like she did in Indian Wells, where she didn’t drop a set, then Swiatek looks likely to add her name to that list, but she isn’t thinking about that yet.

“I don’t feel like we should talk about ifs,” she said.

“I’ll do everything step by step, as usual. No need for me to like, go and already think about winning the trophy, because I haven’t even practised here.

“I still have many matches to play so we’ll see how it’s going to go. Obviously, it would be a dream come true. It’s not an easy task. I felt like I even overachieved two years ago. So this time, I’m just going to do everything as usual, and I think that is the best way to go.”

Swiatek’s biggest rivals at the Miami Open could be Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff.

Gauff is a potential semi-final opponent while Sabalenka or Rybakina could await in the final.

“In terms of the conditions here, it’s always difficult, it’s humid and hot,” added Swiatek.

“But I remember I really felt comfortable, you know, on the surface two years ago, so I’ll see what my practice brings me.”