In 2020, Iga Świątek made history by winning the French Open Grand Slam at the tender age of 19, becoming the youngest Roland Garros champion since Monika Seles’ triumph in 1992. Fast forward three years, and she has added three more Grand Slam titles to her name, claimed the top spot in the rankings, and set numerous records that position her among the greatest players in tennis history. To bet on tennis matches, in particular on matches involving Iga, it is best to use https://mostbet-pl.mobi/.
While off the court, Świątek is known for her introverted personality, she undergoes a remarkable transformation when she steps onto the tennis court. There, she becomes a relentless force, fighting not only against her opponents but also battling the pressures, perfectionism, and the sometimes-destructive side of her passion for the game. Despite the fame and expectations that come with her success, she remains committed to enjoying the sport, continuously striving to improve, and finding positives even in the most challenging moments.
During this year’s WTA Finals in Cancun, the world’s best tennis players found themselves not only contending with the unpredictable weather, marked by heavy rain and strong winds but also facing the formidable Iga Świątek. She dominated her opponents, losing only 20 games on her path to the final, breaking Serena Williams’ previous record of 32 games lost in 2002. In the final, Świątek lost just one game to Jessica Pegula, securing her return to the pinnacle of the WTA rankings.
One might assume that her mission in Mexico was to reclaim the number one ranking from Aryna Sabalenka, but in reality, Świątek aimed to keep her focus on the essence of her game, avoiding unnecessary pressure and paralysis. Reflecting on the lessons learned from recent setbacks, including a loss in the 1/8 finals of the US Open and relinquishing her top ranking, Świątek emphasized her journey towards self-acceptance. She recognized that the previous season’s extraordinary success might be challenging to replicate, but this realization relieved her of unnecessary pressure and allowed her to concentrate on the game itself. She made it clear that when stepping onto the court, her primary focus was on the game itself. The trophy was presented to her by one of the most influential figures in women’s tennis history, Chris Evert.
Experts and commentators noted Świątek’s extraordinary focus during the tournament. She executed a straightforward yet challenging game plan: play her best tennis, minimize errors, and ensure most shots ended in her favor. Her diverse skill set, including speed, precision, depth, and offensive and defensive capabilities, allowed her to excel in executing this strategy. Specialists observe that her natural and acquired abilities, coupled with her rapid development in areas like volleys, put her in the same league as the greatest tennis champions.
Success Starts in the Mind
Mental health holds a special place in Świątek’s life. She is one of the few players who consistently receives support from a psychologist, Daria Abramowicz. Like her father, Abramowicz ensures that tennis does not overshadow the joy of sports practice, a risk faced when playing at such a high level and achieving such success. It’s easy for the game to become automatic, eroding the joy and making resistance to the pressures of fans and media more challenging. Passion can transform from a positive attribute into a destructive force.
Abramowicz’s role is to cultivate a passion for sports rooted in determination and a strong character. It allows Świątek to reach her full potential and strive for perfection while recognizing that she is just a person, and her life extends beyond sports. Abramowicz shields Iga from the noise and negative emotions that can affect not only her well-being but also her performance. She advises her to give concise answers during press conferences and avoid unnecessary discussions. For example, before an important match, when Świątek was reading “Gone with the Wind,” Abramowicz advised her to delay reading the ending, as it could emotionally drain her.
Świątek acknowledges the support she receives and values it immensely. However, when she steps onto the court, she is alone, focused, composed, and unswayed by emotions. She knows her strengths and areas for improvement, rejoices in small victories, and maintains the mindset of a champion.