How world No. 1 Iga Swiatek avoided dreaded Grand Slam slump at US Open

WATCH: Swiatek-Stephens was an anticipated clash in New York, but the world No. 1 advanced easily.

Following up on Grand Slam success isn't easy for a young player—just ask Emma Raducanu or Leylah Fernandez, who reached the finals of the 2021 US Open, or 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin.

But the post-Slam slump hasn't been as big a problem for 2020 French Open champ Iga Swiatek, who went on to have a consistent 2021 and captured her second Slam as this season's Roland Garros. The 21-year-old from Poland is currently No. 1 in the rankings, and 50-7 for the season entering the US Open.

Asked about the way she avoided a letdown, Swiatek credited her team with helping her adjust to her first big victory.

"I don't know honestly, I mean, there are a lot of things I think we are doing a little bit differently as a team, and I'm pretty happy that I had really, you know, smart people in my team that could guide me after that first win," she told press at Flushing Meadows following her second-round win against 2017 champion Sloane Stephens.

While players are usually most concerned about bouncing back from defeats, Swiatek notes that winning also brings its own pressures.

"Also, honestly, like talking about other players, it's hard for me to compare because everybody has different story, and also, like different preparation for success because you also have to prepare for success. I was pretty surprised about that," said Swiatek, whose team includes a sports psychologist.

Though winning a Grand Slam is accompanied by a lot of things, she says for her it was important to keep prioritizing tennis and stay professional.

"That was my goal, to be consistent after it, and kind of to prove myself and the others that I can play just in other tournaments on this kind of level. I think, yeah, I proved that. So, I'm pretty proud of that," she said.

"But the key is, it's hard to describe it, because it's everything we do every day, and balancing the on-court stuff with the obligations that are new off-court, also, kind of balancing if you want to be in the spotlight and everywhere or if you want to just focus on work.

"I remember having few months where, you know, my main focus was also like not going the right way, because I was also thinking of how to use that success and how to, I don't know, business-wise grow. Then I realized I should focus on the training and the things that are on court. Each player still has to find their own approach.

"But I think just, you know, looking at what's right for you and what your priorities are the most important thing, and having good people around you," she added.

Swiatek has won nine career singles titles.