Iga Swiatek is one of the best players on the women’s tour at the moment. Born on May 31, 2001, in Warsaw, Poland, she began playing tennis at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks.
In 2020, Swiatek achieved her breakthrough moment by winning the French Open singles title at the age of 19. She became the first Polish player, male or female, to win a Grand Slam singles title. Her dominant performance throughout the tournament showcased her powerful groundstrokes, exceptional court coverage skills, and mental resilience.
The 22-year-old has since added three more Grand Slam titles to her cabinet. These include two French Open crowns (2022, 2023) and a US Open (2022) title.
On that note, let’s take a look at 10 non-tennis facts about Iga Swiatek:
#10 Passion for literature: Avid reader of historical novels
Beyond her athletic pursuits, Iga Swiatek has a deep love for literature, particularly historical novels. She finds solace in the works of authors like Ken Follett, Dan Brown, and Ildefonso Falcones, immersing herself in captivating stories set in different eras.
#9 Charitable heart: Dedication to giving back
Iga Swiatek is not only a talented athlete but also a compassionate individual, who is dedicated to making a positive impact. She actively participates in charitable endeavors, donating prize money to various causes.
#8 Uses the ukulele as an emotional outlet
Like many athletes, Iga Swiatek has faced emotional challenges on and off the tennis court. To help her control her emotions and maintain focus during matches, her sports psychologist Daria Abramowicz gifted her a ukulele.
#7 Rocking to the classics: A passion for rock music
While many athletes may have a preference for contemporary music, Iga Swiatek’s playlist is filled with classic rock hits. Artists like Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Pink Floyd resonate with her, thanks to the influence of her coaches during tournaments.
#6 Finding joy in numbers: Love for mathematics
When Swiatek captured her maiden French Open title, she was still a student. She later went on to finish high school, where she developed an interest in mathematics, showcasing her analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
#5 A Cat lover at heart
Off the tennis court, Iga Swiatek reveals her softer side as a devoted cat lover. She currently has a black cat named Grappa, but her love for felines extends beyond just one furry companion.
#4 Represented the Legia Warsaw Tennis Club
The Pole has often been spotted at Legia Warsaw football matches. She devoted several years to her tennis career with the club, practicing on its courts, and even proudly posing for photos with their iconic ‘L’.
# 3 Swimming Debut: Where It All Started for Iga Swiatek
Iga Swiatek’s father encouraged her to engage in individual sports, and initially, she gave swimming a try. However, it was later that the youngster made the shift to tennis, ultimately becoming a worldwide sensation in the sport.
#2 “Mad Men”: Iga Swiatek’s favorite TV Series
When it comes to her favorite TV series, Iga Swiatek’s top choice is “Mad Men.” The critically acclaimed show set in the 1960s captivates her with its retro atmosphere and intriguing portrayal of the advertising industry’s early days.
#1 Belongs to a sporting family: Olympian father and tennis-playing sister
Iga Swiatek hails from a family with a strong sporting background. Her father, Tomasz, represented Poland in rowing at the 1988 Olympic Games.