“There comes a point when funding runs out”: Iga Swiatek opens up on family sacrifices early financial struggles

Iga Swiatek has opened up about the financial problems her family faced when trying to fund her career during her early days. The 6-time major champion is currently one of the highest-earning female athletes—both on and off the court—though her tennis beginnings were far removed from the Pole's current reality.

During this 2025 season, she reached second place on the WTA All-Time Career Prize Money list—trailing only 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams. Although she was subsequently surpassed by Aryna Sabalenka, the Pole boasts over $43 million in career earnings. At 24 years old, she is still far from reaching her ceiling, with many years of her career still ahead of her.

The World No. 2 was recently included in the Forbes list of the world's highest-paid athletes—ranking 3rd, just behind Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka. This year, Swiatek's earnings total more than $10 million in on-court salary, and another $13 million in endorsements.

Swiatek commented in her recent conversation with Forbes that her family suffered economic problems while trying to finance the start of her career. "There comes a point in most tennis players' careers when funding options run out," she told Forbes. "It's a very expensive sport and systemic support is limited except for team tournaments, where Poland is actually represented.”

"When I was 14 or 15, we were already at a stage where we really needed that support. My dad tried to distance me from these problems, but as a child, I still knew what was happening,” the 4-time French Open champion added. "I suspected it and it was a stressful time for the entire family, especially for him. My dad put a lot of work, heart, and determination into making sure my sister and I could play tennis, especially when he saw our potential and how I was developing."

"The turning point was an ankle surgery in 2017, which kept me sidelined for about seven months. It's a stage where few believe it's possible to return to elite sport. The surgery itself didn't guarantee a 100% return, so getting support was especially difficult at that time."

This week, the 24-year-old Pole awarded grants from the Iga Swiatek Foundation Scholarship Program, providing regular financial support—about 24,000 euros throughout the year—to a total of five young athletes who applied for the foundation's initiative. The award also offers close work with a team of professionals from the foundation, including members of Swiatek's own team, such as her psychologist Daria Abramowicz.

“Many parents who haven't played sports or don't have the right contacts often find themselves in a difficult situation,” Swiatek commented regarding the support her foundation will deliver. “They don't know which coach to choose, and even if there is a good one available, it can simply be too expensive. That's why I think this scholarship can help with these decisions, giving families greater opportunities to invest in mentorship and quality training.”

“Unfortunately, private companies and corporations aren't always willing to invest in young athletes who are just starting out,” she added. “The most significant support usually arrives only after success, when the athlete has achieved media attention and an image of security."

Meanwhile, Swiatek continues her preseason work in Poland as she prepares for the United Cup, which begins on January 5. There, she will once again team up with Hubert Hurkacz to chase the title that has proven somewhat elusive, having fallen in the final in both 2024 and 2025.