- 1,612
- 9
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Sabalenka, Tunisian trailblazer Ons Jabeur, rising Americans Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff as well as Rybakina are expected to compete with Polish star Swiatek for the prestigious titles starting with the 'Sunshine Double' of Indian Wells and Miami Open in March.
"I believe that the women's field has a lot of players that show a lot of promise and potential. I feel that a lot of people were stunned by Iga last year and how much she was improving," admitted Puig, who retired from professional tennis at the age of 28, citing her string of injuries and subsequent surgeries as the reason for her decision.
"I thought Iga was mentally very, very tough. Physically, she was a lot faster, a lot quicker in her reactions on the court, taking time away from a lot of players which in my opinion is why she won so many sets to love.
"She never gave players time to get into the match and not a lot of players knew what to do against Iga.
"This year, people are better prepared, they've studied her and will be a little bit better prepared going on to the court against her."