“Clay has always been my favourite, but…”: Iga Swiatek discusses favourite surface after sealing US Open quarterfinal spot
WTA
Iga Swiatek is back in the US Open quarterfinals after brushing aside Ekaterina Alexandrova 6–3, 6–1 in a match that looked deceptively straightforward. But according to the world No. 2, the early stages were anything but simple. “At the beginning, I felt like she played really fast, and also the court is a bit different, so I wanted to find my rhythm,” Swiatek said afterwards.
Once she settled into the contest, her trademark intensity returned. “Later on, I just felt like I was really in my bubble and in the zone,” she explained, smiling as she recalled her ability to take control. The 24-year-old admitted she was happy to embrace risk: “Sometimes I was making risky decisions, and I think I forced the ball to go in. So I’m just happy with the quality and with my serve as well.”
Her focus and freedom on court are becoming hallmarks of her season. Since winning Wimbledon, Swiatek has collected 18 hard-court victories, including a title in Cincinnati. Asked about her favourite surface, she surprised some with her honesty: “Now I like all of them, which is weird. For sure, the clay-court season has always been my favourite, but people make it pretty hard for me, you know? With all the pressure around.”
Swiatek added that the variety of conditions is actually part of her enjoyment now. “Sometimes it’s just easier to enjoy the surfaces where it’s harder to play, but you have more kind of freedom to just make mistakes and accept them. It depends. I would say every month is different, and I can play on every surface if I feel good with my game and in my head I feel confident.”
“It’s more important to develop as a player”
Despite being a six-time Grand Slam champion and current world No. 2, Swiatek insists her greatest motivation is not trophies or rankings but progress. “I think when I learn something new, or for example, when I struggled with some shot for most of last year, but then I can progress and feel that it’s better—I think this is the way it should go,” she explained.
She continued: “Sometimes you can play great and you can be at a great level, but if your opponent has the perfect day, you feel bad that you lost, but still you didn’t really fail. I think it’s better to just focus on yourself. Obviously we are all here to win tournaments, but also mistakes can happen. One bad day can happen. For me, it’s more important to just develop as a player and be a better player every week.”
“Thank you, it gives me a lot of energy”
Swiatek’s bond with her fans is unmistakable. Wherever she goes, a wave of red and white follows. In New York, the Polish chants rang loud on Arthur Ashe, making Swiatek feel at home despite the chaos of the city. As soon as the interview turned to her Polish supporters, she lit up. “Thank you. It gives me a lot of energy and I’m very happy that I can play in front of you,” she said in Polish.
Switching back to English, she added: “The same to the English-speaking fans—thank you guys for coming and being here because you make an amazing atmosphere out here on the court and it’s a pleasure to play in front of you.”
Read also
Next up: Anisimova or Haddad Maia
The road only gets tougher. Swiatek will face either Amanda Anisimova or Beatriz Haddad Maia in the quarterfinals. Both bring contrasting challenges: Anisimova with her flat, fearless ball-striking, Haddad Maia with her left-handed variety and patience. Swiatek knows she will need to summon the same intensity. “I’ll just try to play good throughout the whole year,” she said earlier, but for now her attention is squarely on the next test in New York.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
