Iga Świątek ended this year's season with an impressive victory over Daria Kasatkina. The WTA ranking runner-up defeated the Russian 6-1, 6-0 in just 51 minutes. Despite this, due to the unfavorable balance of sets, she did not manage to advance to the final semi-final WTA Finals. – I believe that 2025 will be a great year for us – said Wim Fissette, who has recently become our tennis player's new coach.
Świątek spoke about the Polish mentality. “Some people still think”
However, before Świątek starts the new season, she will still have to compete in the Billie Jean King Cup. There, the Poles will start against Spain. In addition to the bronze medalist of the Olympic Games in Paris, our country will be represented by Magdalena Fręch, Magda Linette, Maja Chwalińska and Katarzyna Kawa.
Iga Świątek often spoke on key issues for her country. She puts great emphasis on mental health, being an ambassador of various events in this field. Almost two years ago, the then 21-year-old player spoke much more broadly about her national identity and general attitude towards her compatriots.
In a special material produced by The Players' Tribune, Świątek first recalled her childhood memories. – In Poland I often had to train when it was about three degrees above zero outside. And sometimes I had nowhere to play. If I were American or British, I would believe more strongly that I can achieve what I strive for, she said directly. Then the tennis player raised the issue of internal divisions in Poland, which concern many aspects of life.
– Our country is divided in some way. But if we find ourselves in danger, we can quickly unite and fend off the threat, she admitted. A moment later, Iga Świątek accused Poles of still not being aware of mental health. – In Poland, some people still think that if someone goes to therapy, there is something wrong with him. I want to use my position to show people that it's nothing terrible. It's okay – we want to work on ourselves and become better, she said.
Still Shelf she realizes that her compatriots greatly appreciate her for her spectacular achievements. – People in my country are proud of me. I feel like I've made a difference. It would be much more difficult to change anything in the UK or the US. Actually, I think it's easier because I'm a bit less popular outside Poland. I lead a normal life. I can go to the beach and feel like a normal girl for a while. I don't know yet if I want to be known all over the world. I don't know… – said Świątek in January 2023.