Wilander credits Swiatek for honestly after Australian Open exit, compares her to Naomi Osaka: “it’s healthy outlook and she’s being honest and can talk about it”
WTA
Iga Swiatek was knocked out of the Australian Open by Elena Rybakina, former Wimbledon champion, and her remarks at the press
conference have sparked positive feedback.
The World No. 1 was honest about what was going
through her mind during the match: “I felt the pressure, and I felt that I don’t
want to lose instead of I want to win. So that’s I think, a base of what I should
focus on in the next couple of weeks.”
Seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander compared
it to Naomi Osaka's honesty in recent years regarding her mental health:
“Naomi Osaka was applauded for coming out (about her mental
health) and she won four majors. She came out after the fourth Grand Slam and said she
has mental health issues and that was applauded in every was. But we never
really knew whu, was it the pressure or (something else).”
“Sometimes you play to not lose and sometimes you play
to win, it’s just the way it is. We have to forget about Roger Federer, Rafa
Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams. These people are superhuman.”, said the Swede.
“Iga Swiatek is not there
yet, but I think she’s on the right path, it’s a healthy outlook and she’s
being honest and can talk about it.”
Read also
There were other experts
who spoke about Swiatek's sincerity, such as journalist Laura Robson: “That is
such a huge thing for players to speak about,”. Además agregó que “To
have someone come out and say she was playing with this fear in her head, makes
such a difference... she can work on that and hopefully we won’t see that so
much in the future from her.”
The Eurosport journalist Tim
Henmann also agreed with Wilander and
Robson: “she travels with a psychologist and the reality is you’ve got to think
about the process.”
“If you can get your mind
to think about her great serve and forehand and how you want to play, then you’re
not going to be thinking about the outcome.”
For the moment, the
Polish will not see the first position of the WTA threatened, since she has
more than double the points of Ons Jabeur, number 2 in the world.
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.
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