Swiatek close to missing WTA Finals for the first time since 2020

FILE PHOTO: 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. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Iga Swiatek is on the brink of missing the WTA ​Finals for the first time since 2020 ‌but the former World No. 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 ⁠quarterfinal 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.

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“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.