"I feel like nothing can stop me": Iga Swiatek battle hardened but still suffers from anxiety after doping scandal
WTA
Iga Swiatek has admitted she still suffers from anxiety amid her doping battle last year but that it has made her battle hardened after getting through the worst.
As evidenced by Aryna Sabalenka for instance, Swiatek and Jannik Sinner in particular getting banned suddenly last year led to more paranoia in players as the World No.1 said yesterday that she gets scared about what she drinks and eats now.
But now that she has been through such an ordeal, Swiatek speaking to Reem Abulleil has said she has that feeling that no-one can stop her now. As well as that she is under no illusion that others are likely now suffering with anxiety as a result of what happened to her.
"Honestly, after a couple of years you think about this all the time. It gives a little anxiety and I'm not only talking about me, because I kind of got used to the system and I've been through the worst, and I was able to come back from that and I was able to solve it, so I feel like nothing can kind of stop me," she said as per Reem Abulleil for AFP.
"I know from even other players that it's not easy, and the whole system is just tough because I didn't have much control over what happened to me, and I can imagine some players, they're always scared that it can happen to them."
"With always giving your location and everything, sometimes, system-wise, it's just hard to catch up," added Swiatek. "Because like every day when we're travelling we need to literally say where we are. If we forget we might get a no show and then three no shows and it's a ban.
"So, yeah, there's a lot of pressures with that, and it's not easy to manage that, but it is what it is."
Match Info:
Alexandra Eala - Iga Swiatek
Start time (local): Thu, 24 Apr, 2:20 PM
Start time (your time): Thu, 24 Apr, 8:20 PM
Court: Manolo Santana Stadium
Tournament: Mutua Madrid Open
Round: Round of 64
Head-to-Head
| Eala | Swiatek | |
|---|---|---|
| H2H Record | ||
| Total Wins | 1 | 0 |
| Win Streak | 1 | 0 |
| Ranking | ||
| Official Ranking | 72 | 2 |
| Race Ranking | 51 | 4 |
| Live Ranking | ||
| Live Ranking | 71 (+1) | 2 |
| Live Race Ranking | 48 (+3) | 4 |
| Bios | ||
| Age | 19 (23 May 2005) | 23 (31 May 2001) |
| Birthplace | Quezon City, Philippines | Warsaw, Poland |
| Residence | - | Raszyn, Poland |
| Height | - | 5'9" (176cm) |
| Weight | - | 143lbs (65kg) |
| Plays | Left (two-handed backhand) | Right-handed (two-handed backhand) |
| Turned Pro | - | 2016 |
| Coach | Joan Bosch | Wim Fissette (October 2024 – present) |
| YTD W/L | 10-6 (63%) | 21-7 (75%) |
| YTD Titles | - | - |
| Career Titles | 0 WTA, 5 ITF | 22 |
| Prize Money | US$ 831,061 | US $34,842,891 - 8th in all-time rankings |
| Past Meetings | ||
|
A Eala d I Swiatek WTA Miami - Quarterfinal6-2 | 7-5 26 Mar 2025 |
||
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- 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
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
