Iga Świątek, the calm and composed tennis star, has taken the world by herself with exceptional skills and unwavering determination. Rising from an introverted teen to becoming a four-time grand slam champion, she has redefined success in women’s tennis. Here, we delve into her journey, exploring how she achieved such remarkable feats and became the world’s highest-paid female athlete.
Overcoming the Initial Overwhelm
Świątek’s rise to the top was marked by a deeply emotional moment when she first learned she would be the world No. 1. “I remember it was overwhelming,” Świątek recalls. “I cried for like 20 minutes.” This tearful moment began a journey that would see her dominate the tennis world. Since then, she has won 16 titles, bringing her total to 21, and has only briefly dropped from the No. 1 spot for eight weeks.
Dominating the Tennis Court
Świątek’s ability to decisively defeat her opponents has become a hallmark of her play. Her frequent victories with scores like 6-0 and 6-1, humorously referred to as “bagels” and “breadsticks,” have led tennis fans to joke about her running a bakery. Entering the French Open with a 12-match winning streak, Świątek aims for her fifth grand slam title.
“Honestly, it’s hard to grasp it because it all happened so fast,” Świątek admits. “When I was younger, I wouldn’t even expect myself to be in the top five, (let alone) these stats.” Her dominance is most evident on clay, her favorite surface, where she has amassed 28 wins at the French Open since her debut in 2019.
Handling Pressure and Expectations
Being at the pinnacle of tennis brings its own set of challenges. “Sometimes I get this feeling off the court a little bit, or when I analyze these matches, and I see that these players were super-motivated,” Świątek notes. Despite this, she focuses on taking it “step-by-step,” not getting ahead of herself by looking too far into the tournament draws.
The Introverted Champion
Świątek describes herself as an introvert, finding solace in quieter environments. “People accept that I’m an introvert, and sometimes I like things quiet and not too noisy around me,” she says. Working closely with her sports psychologist, Daria Abramowicz has been pivotal in managing the pressures of being the world’s top-ranked player. “When we started working in 2019, I was introverted,” Świątek explains. “She helped me to feel more comfortable in the world around me.”
The Face of Global Brands
Świątek’s success has attracted numerous sponsors, including Porsche, Rolex, LEGO, and Lancôme. She was also the first female athlete sponsored by sportswear brand On, helping to develop their inaugural tennis range. Last year, Świątek topped Forbes’ list of highest-paid female athletes, earning $23.9 million.
“She has been the first player since Serena (Williams) and (Maria) Sharapova retired that has been consistent week in and week out,” says Max Eisenbud, her agent at IMG. “Brands like that she’s real – she is who she is – and I think that’s refreshing.”
A True Champion On and Off the Court
Świątek’s genuine personality shines through in her love for Taylor Swift, LEGO, and reading. According to Eisenbud, she is a “dream client” who always strives to be great in every aspect of her life. This dedication has crafted the best all-around game in women’s tennis today, setting her up for potential historic achievements at Roland Garros.
As Iga Świątek continues to break barriers and set records, her journey from an introverted young girl to a grand slam champion inspires. With her relentless pursuit of excellence and down-to-earth personality, Świątek’s future in tennis looks incredibly promising.
