‘Keep That Inner Child Alive’- Kim Clijsters Advises Iga Swiatek to Retain the Top Spot

Iga Swiatek rose to the top like a dream. She kept her resilience and hard work going on, and the day arrived. Ashleigh Barty’s decision to take her name down after announcing her retirement, made Swiatek the world no. 1. Kim Clijsters, who also became world no. 1 at the age of 20, shared her insight on Iga’s rise.

Iga Swiatek as world no. 1

Iga Swiatek defeated Viktorija Golubic with a score of 6-2, 6-0 at the Miami Open. And with this, she was raised to the top and became the world no. 1 female tennis player. Iga reigned in Doha as well as in the Indian Wells after which she became world no. 2. The player has been in her best form and has been performing splendidly. She rose to prominence after winning the French Open in the year 2020.

Kim Clijsters’ advice for Iga Swiatek

Kim Clijsters was herself 20 years old when she became world no. 1 in 2003. She congratulated the polish player and commended her hard work and persistence. She admired Swiatek’s sole dedication towards the sport. Former world no. 1 said, “She’s had great results in the past, but she still wants to improve.” She liked Iga’s attitude toward the sport and encouraged her to be humble. Former world no. 1 disregarded being lenient after winning a grand slam or reaching the top. Furthermore, she encouraged continuity and persistence, along with being respectful and modest. Kim gave the example of Ashleigh Barty, who stayed grounded after climbing to the top spot.

ALSO READ: ‘Met the GOAT’ – Swiss Alpine Ski Racer Cherishes Interaction With Roger Federer

On being asked about her advice for the young polish player, she said, “I would tell her is to keep that inner child alive.” She gave her an example and mentioned, “I played two hours yesterday, and I still love it.” Moreover, she showed solidarity with all the world no. 1 players and said, “There’s a passion for the sport that we (former world no. 1 players) all developed at a young age.”

Iga’s climb to the top

Though the polish player is over 2000 ranking points behind the official world no. 1, she would gain that spot after Ashleigh Barty’s name will come off the list after her early retirement. Her position will become official on April 4.

WATCH THIS STORY: Venus Williams and Will Smith’s emotional SAG Awards

However, we can not deny the fact that the 20-year-old has shown her worth on the court with her consistent gameplay and significant results in the tour. She has kept her 12-match-winning streak alive. Iga Swiatek is the first polish person to be world no. 1 in tennis. We hope to see her perform well in the future as well and retain the top spot.