Iga Świątek: Is The Next All-Time Tennis Greatest?

IGA ŚWIĄTEK
Country: Poland 
Born: 31 May. 2001 
Height: 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in) 

Iga Świątek is a player who seems destined to have it all. At just 23 years old, she has already achieved more than most athletes do in a lifetime, but she’s only getting started. Her desire to dominate the sport, break records, and leave an indelible mark on tennis history is evident every time she steps on the court. Świątek represents a new era of tennis champions, driven, multifaceted, and destined for greatness.

But how did she get here, and what makes her one of the most exciting names in sports today?

A Family Legacy of Sporting Excellence

Born on May 31, 2001, in Warsaw, Poland, Iga Świątek grew up in a family that was no stranger to athletic achievement. Her father, Tomasz Świątek, is an Olympic rower who competed in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. This strong athletic influence, combined with a competitive household, laid the groundwork for Iga’s passion for sports. Her mother, Dorota Świątek, is an orthodontist, and her older sister, Agata, also tried her hand at tennis before injuries cut her career short. However, it was Agata who inspired Iga to pick up a tennis racket at just five years old. From that moment on, Iga’s journey to greatness began.

Iga’s talent was evident from a young age. By the time she was 13, she was competing internationally, under the guidance of coach Piotr Sierzputowski. Her journey was driven by her ambition to surpass her sister’s achievements, and this fueled her competitive fire. 

Iga Świątek attended the Raoul Wallenberg School in Warsaw from 2007 through 2017. There she began training at the nearby Mera-Warsaw Tennis Club when she turned 14. She finished her coursework and graduated in 2020.

What Has Iga Świątek Achieved So Far? A Year-by-Year Breakdown

Iga Świątek has rapidly become one of the most dominant players in women’s tennis. With a string of impressive achievements, she’s cemented her place as one of the sport’s elite at just 23 years old. Let’s take a look at her standout milestones year by year.

2015-2018: The Junior and ITF Circuit

• 2015: Świątek started on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior circuit, quickly making a name for herself by winning 82% of her singles matches. Her success in doubles was also notable, with a 76% win rate.
• 2016: She debuted in the junior French Open, reaching the quarterfinals in both singles and doubles. Later that year, she won the singles title at the Canadian Open Junior Championship and helped Poland secure its second-ever Junior Fed Cup title.
• 2016-2018: Świątek transitioned to the ITF women’s circuit and won her first professional tournament in Stockholm in 2016. She went on to win six additional ITF titles in 2017-18. She capped her ITF career with a Wimbledon girls’ singles title and a doubles gold at the 2018 Buenos Aires Youth Olympic Games.

2019: WTA Debut

• Świątek transitioned to the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour, marking her entry into the top level of professional tennis.
• She qualified for the Australian Open, winning her first main-draw match before bowing out in the second round.
• In April, she reached her first WTA final at the Ladies Open in Lugano, finishing runner-up.
• By the end of the year, she was ranked No. 60 in singles, a promising start to her pro career.

2020: A Historic French Open Triumph

• Świątek stunned the tennis world by winning her first Grand Slam title at the French Open at just 19 years old, becoming the first Polish player to win a Grand Slam singles title. She won the tournament without dropping a set, defeating Sofia Kenin in the final 6–4, 6–1.
• This victory made her the youngest French Open champion since Monica Seles in 1992 and vaulted her to No. 17 in the WTA rankings.

2021: Breaking Into the Top 10

• Świątek continued her rise by winning two WTA titles:
  • The Adelaide International, where she didn’t lose a set.
  • The Italian Open, where she dominated Karolína Plíšková 6–0, 6–0 in the final, one of the most one-sided finals in WTA history.
• She made her Olympic debut in Tokyo, reaching the second round.
• By the end of 2021, she had broken into the Top 10 in the WTA rankings, finishing the year at No. 9.

2022: Reaching World No. 1 and a Historic Winning Streak

• World No. 1: Following Ashleigh Barty’s sudden retirement, Świątek ascended to the top of the WTA rankings.
• She enjoyed a phenomenal season, winning two Grand Slam titles:
  • The French Open, defeating Coco Gauff in the final 6–1, 6–3.
  • The US Open, defeating Ons Jabeur 6–2, 7–6(5).
• Świątek went on a 37-match winning streak from February to June, winning six consecutive tournaments, including:
  • Qatar TotalEnergies Open
  • BNP Paribas Open (Indian Wells)
  • Miami Open
  • Porsche Tennis Grand Prix (Stuttgart)
  • Internazionali BNL d’Italia (Rome)
  • French Open.
• This winning streak was the longest on the women’s tour in the 21st century.

2023: A Third French Open and Consistent Dominance

• Świątek continued to prove her dominance, securing her third French Open title by defeating Karolína Muchová 6–2, 5–7, 6–4 in a hard-fought final.
• She also claimed a WTA Finals title, defeating Jessica Pegula 6–1, 6–0 in the final.
• Świątek maintained her position as World No. 1 for most of the year, matching Serena Williams’ record of holding the top spot for 100 consecutive weeks.
• She finished 2023 as the tour leader with six titles, underscoring her status as the top player in women’s tennis.

2024: More Grand Slam Glory and an Olympic Medal

• French Open Champion: Świątek captured her fourth French Open title, becoming one of the few players to win the tournament three years in a row. She defeated Jasmine Paolini 6–2, 6–1 in the final.
• Olympic Bronze: Świątek earned a bronze medal at the Paris Olympic Games, making history as the first Polish tennis player to win an Olympic medal.
• She also continued her impressive run by winning prestigious titles at:
  • The Doha Open (her third consecutive win here, making her the first woman to achieve this).
  • Indian Wells, Madrid and Rome. 

How Does Psychology Keep Iga Świątek on Top of the Tennis World?

Iga Świątek’s dominance on the tennis court isn’t just about physical skill—it’s deeply rooted in her mental strength, which has been carefully developed through her ongoing partnership with sports psychologist Daria Abramowicz. Since 2019, Abramowicz has been a critical part of Świątek’s team, helping her navigate the mental challenges that come with competing at the highest level.

Their relationship goes beyond typical mental conditioning; they focus on mindfulness, mental resilience, and managing the immense pressure that comes with being a top-ranked player. Abramowicz plays an integral role in ensuring that Świątek maintains balance, not only emotionally but also in how she handles the physical demands of her grueling tennis schedule.

Świątek has frequently emphasized that understanding the mental side of the game is just as crucial as physical preparation. Her composed demeanor, even during the most intense matches, is a direct result of the mental strategies she’s learned from Abramowicz. This includes using meditation and breathing techniques, which help her stay calm and focused when stakes are high.

Despite recent changes in her coaching team, Abramowicz remains an essential figure in Świątek’s journey, ensuring her mental strength stays sharp. Whether it’s through casual conversations or structured sessions, the relationship between Świątek and Abramowicz highlights the growing importance of psychology in maintaining a champion’s edge in sports.

Why Does Iga Świątek Cover Her Mouth While Training?

If you’ve ever seen Iga Świątek in action, you might have noticed something unusual during her practice sessions: she often covers her mouth. While it might look odd, this technique is actually a strategic part of her training. Świątek uses this method to challenge her respiratory system, forcing her body to become more efficient at managing carbon dioxide.

According to her fitness coach, Maciej Ryszczuk, this practice restricts Świątek’s breathing to her nose during intense workouts. By limiting her oxygen intake, her heart rate increases, and her body has to work harder to deliver oxygen to her muscles. Over time, this builds her endurance and helps her sustain peak performance during long, tough matches.

Breathing exclusively through the nose brings additional benefits beyond endurance. It helps regulate airflow, which can enhance focus, reduce anxiety, and stabilize emotions—key elements in a sport that demands both physical stamina and mental sharpness. By conditioning her body to function with less oxygen, Świątek not only strengthens her resilience but also sharpens her mental toughness, giving her an edge over her rivals.

Even Świątek herself admits that some of her training methods can be puzzling. In an interview, she revealed that she doesn’t always fully understand why she’s asked to do certain things, but she trusts her team’s expertise. “Sometimes I don’t even understand the things they ask me to do, but I’ve been doing them for so long, they’ve become second nature,” she shared.

How Much Money Has Iga Świątek Earned?

Iga Świątek’s career earnings have surpassed $31 million, placing her among the top earners in women’s tennis. In 2024 alone, Świątek has earned approximately $7.5 million in prize money, boosted by her victories in major tournaments like the French Open (earning her $2.57 million) and WTA 1000 titles at Indian Wells, Madrid, Rome, and Qatar.

This accomplishment places her ninth on the all-time WTA career prize money list, and she’s on track to finish the year even higher with the lucrative WTA Finals ahead​

Who Are Iga Świątek’s Major Sponsors?

Iga Świątek’s growing popularity isn’t just confined to the tennis courts. Her success and marketability have attracted several high-profile sponsorships, including:

• On: Świątek switched to this Swiss sportswear brand for her apparel and shoes in 2023, leaving Asics behind. On has been a significant partner in enhancing her performance gear.
• Porsche: Świątek remains a brand ambassador for Porsche, a partnership highlighted by her victories at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix.
• Red Bull: The energy drink giant continues to back Świątek, aligning with her image as a high-performance athlete.
• Rolex: The luxury watchmaker continues its partnership with Świątek, reflecting her status as one of the elite in tennis.
• Lancôme: In 2024, Świątek became the first athlete and the first Polish ambassador for this iconic beauty brand, marking a major milestone in her off-court presence.
• Visa: Świątek joined Team Visa in 2023, as part of a select group of athletes supported for their global impact and commitment to social issues.

Additionally, Świątek still relies on Tecnifibre for her racquet needs, using the Tempo 298 model during competitions. These partnerships have solidified her position as one of the highest-earning female athletes in the world, both in prize money and endorsements.

As of September 2024, Iga Świątek’s sponsorship portfolio has expanded to include several top global brands, reflecting her rising recognition and marketability.

A Charitable Heart: Iga Świątek’s Giving Spirit

Beyond her on-court achievements, Świątek has a deep commitment to charity work. She has been actively involved with several initiatives, including the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, the Noble Gift Project, and SOS Children’s Villages Auction. She also participated in the Africa Cares Tennis Challenge and has auctioned off her racquets to raise funds for important causes.

Iga is also a passionate advocate for mental health awareness. On World Mental Health Day, she donated her Indian Wells tournament winnings to a mental health organization, demonstrating that her dedication extends beyond tennis.

Why Is Iga Świątek So Private About Her Personal Life?

For someone so visible on the global stage, Iga Świątek keeps her personal life relatively private. As of now, she appears to be single, with no public relationships or romantic links. Świątek’s main focus remains on her career, and her low-key personal life reflects her desire to let her tennis achievements take center stage.

In her 2023 essay for The Players’ Tribune, titled The Story of a Polish Introvert, Iga Świątek opened up about her shy nature: “There was a time in my life when I was so introverted that speaking to people was a real challenge. Until I was 17 or 18, it was hard sometimes to even look people in the eyes.”

Świątek: A Self-Proclaimed “Crazy Cat Lady”

Off the court, Iga Świątek has a soft spot for animals, especially cats. She’s an unabashed cat lover, and while she currently only has one furry companion, a black cat named Grappa, she has hinted at her desire to expand her feline family. “One day, I’ll want to have more,” she says.

So, where does the name Grappa come from? With a mischievous smile, Świątek teases, “Well, it’s easy to figure out.” Though she doesn’t elaborate, it’s widely believed the name is inspired by the Italian grape-based spirit, possibly influenced by a memorable trip to Italy. Whether or not there was a bit of tasting involved remains a playful mystery, but Świątek’s love for her cat is undeniable. Grappa even made a cameo in some of her social media posts, endearing her even more to fans who love seeing this softer side of the world’s top tennis player.

What Kind of Music Does Iga Świątek Listen To?

Iga Świątek’s music taste might surprise you—she’s a big fan of classic rock. Her playlist includes iconic bands like Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pink Floyd, Santana, Coldplay, and AC/DC. It’s not your typical modern hits but a selection of timeless rock tracks.

So, how did she get into this genre? Świątek explains it all started during her travels to tournaments. “That’s the music my coaches listened to, and it just stayed with me. I grew fond of it,” she shares. Over time, she developed a deeper appreciation for the classics. “I think my love for older music comes from the fact that music back then had more value—it had a greater spirit, triggered emotions, and was less synthetic,” she adds.

For Świątek, rock music isn’t just a hobby; it’s a source of motivation that helps drive her on and off the court.

What’s Iga Świątek’s Favorite TV Show?

When it comes to TV shows, Iga Świątek doesn’t hesitate—her favorite is Mad Men. The retro drama, set in the advertising world of the 1960s, has captivated her for both its nostalgic atmosphere and its educational value. “The series has a cool retro vibe since it takes place in the ’60s, but at the same time, it depicts the beginnings of advertising in the US in such an engaging way,” she explains.

For Świątek, it’s not just about entertainment. “It’s important to me that I can learn something interesting from a series,” she says. “Mad Men shows many advertising mechanisms and ideas that are obvious to us now but were revolutionary back then.” Whether she’s on the court or unwinding after a match, Świątek loves diving into a show that sparks both curiosity and nostalgia.

Who Is Iga Świątek’s Tennis Idol?

When it comes to tennis idols, Iga Świątek is a loyal fan of Rafael Nadal. She’s been rooting for the “King of Clay” for years, and her admiration goes beyond just his impressive resume. “I admire him as an athlete and his fighting spirit,” Świątek shares. “Rafa always fights till the very end, he’s a tennis warrior.”Świątek is particularly drawn to Nadal’s unique playing style, especially his high top-spin shots, which she tries to incorporate into her own game. “His left-handed forehand is an amazing shot that’s earned him so many titles,” she adds.