"Kept me, I don't know, not lonely in my teenage years": Iga Swiatek reveals effect Friends star Matthew Perry had on her life before his passing

Former World No.1 Iga Swiatek has opened up about her feelings regarding the death of Matthew Perry, the American actor best-known for his role as Chandler Bing on the popular TV sitcom, Friends.

Perry was discovered dead in a jacuzzi at his Los Angeles home on October 28, with fans sending in their tributes to the beloved actor.

The Polish star joined others in paying tribute to the late actor, adding the TV show helped her overcome loneliness during her teenage years.

"Well, obviously, we never met, so I don't know him in person, you know," said Swiatek. "But I read his book last year, and I have been watching F.R.I.E.D.S and you know this TV show was kinda I think that kept me, I don't know, not lonely in my teenage years, you know. So I really have a lot of sympathy for the work that he has done.

"His life was kinda tough, and it wasn't easy and obviously it's really really sad that he passed away. He was really kind of loved by everybody and his fans, so I don't know what to say honestly. I never had a question like that on press. I was, like from my perspective, I was just really sad when it happened and I hope his family and his friends and people that he works with are going to have some peace to like just go through everything peacefully."