World number three
Iga Swiatek has once again criticised
Polish media for reporting about her in the past. The 24-year-old remains one
of the best players in the world and showcased her talent at the recently
concluded Wimbledon where she lifted the title for the first time.
While doing so, Swiatek became the first player in more
than 100 years to win a Wimbledon singles final without losing a game. She came
out on top against America’s Amanada Anisimova in straight sets with a score of
6-0, 6-0. That triumph was a crucial one for Swiatek, as she had a lean patch prior to that, according to her own high standards.
It was Swiatek’s first title in more than 12 months. Her
previous title before that was the French Open in 2024. As she continued to
struggle in the early phase of the year, some reports surfaced from Polish media
outlets suggesting that Swiatek was considering taking an indefinite break from
tennis after consistent poor results and because of the death of her grandfather
as well. Those reports, however, were outrightly rejected by Swiatek’s camp.
Swiatek is currently taking part in the
Canadian Open, where she cemented her spot in the fourth round after beating Germany’s Eva Lys
in the round of 32 in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-2. Talking after that,
Swiatek once again criticised the reporting by the media, in particular Polish media,
and stated that she does not read any of it anymore as it does not make much sense
to her.
I don't read: Swiatek
“Overall I don't read,” said Swiatek. “I only did (read)
when I had, like, two months off from tournaments just because I was kind of
bored, and there was a lot of weird things that totally didn't make sense. So I
wanted to actually see that, because it was so ridiculous that I didn't believe
people around me saying that (that's) what (the) media wrote. I wanted to have
that proof. But besides that, I don't read at all. Doesn't make sense. Sorry,
guys.”
Talking about her own performance in the match where she
remained dominant throughout, Swiatek stated that it was ‘fun’ to be a part of
the contest and stated that from her point of view, she played a ‘solid match’.
“It’s always fun here,” said Swiatek. “It was a solid match so I’m happy to
have a chance to play another one here. The match was different from how we
played each other last time. I just focused on myself and knew what my plan was, but Eva played some great down-the-line shots and sometimes was really able to use her wrist and play some fast balls. It wasn’t easy, but I’m happy I just
did my job.”
Swiatek will next face Denmark’s Clara Tauson in the
round of 16 of the competition on Sunday. Tauson defeated Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva
in the round of 32 in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-0. Talking about her
opponent in the next round, Swiatek stated that she is expecting a tough encounter
as she will be playing against a ‘heavy hitter’. "Well, that's going to be
the first time I play a heavy hitter here," said Swiatek. "So I think
I'll need to adjust to that, but when she plays in, she plays great."
It will be the third meeting between the two players in
professional tennis. In the previous two meetings, Swiatek had a clear advantage
as she came out on top on both occasions. Their most recent meeting came in the
fourth round at Wimbledon earlier this year where Swiatek emerged victorious in
straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-1.