Swiatek aims to end year on a positive note

The Polish star remains motivated despite sitting outside the current top eight

LONDON:

Iga Swiatek is on the brink of missing the WTA Finals for the first time since 2020 but the former world number 1 is ‌determined to finish the year on a high to give herself the best chance of reaching the season finale.

The six-time major champion has won only one tournament this year at the Canadian Open in August and did ⁠not advance beyond the quarter-final stage at all four Grand Slams.

The 25-year-old, who won the WTA Finals in 2023 and has played at every edition since 2021, is 10th in the qualifying table for the November 8-15 tournament at Indian Wells with only four of the eight spots still up for grabs.

"Obviously I'm aware of the situation and ‌it ⁠would be great to get into the Finals, for sure it's our goal," Swiatek told reporters on Monday ahead of the Wuhan Open.

"It's the first time I've faced a situation like that, ⁠to get into the finals.

"It's a challenge, but I feel like it's a positive one and I'm really motivated ... There are still ⁠a few tournaments ahead."

Swiatek, who faces compatriot Magdalena Frech in her opening match in Wuhan on Wednesday, is also ⁠scheduled to compete at WTA 500 events in Ningbo and Tokyo before the WTA Finals slots are wrapped up.