American Tennis Players’ Mental Edge over Relatively Weak Europeans Detailed by Iga Swiatek

After the domination of the American tennis legend Serena Williams, Iga Swiatek rightfully took the responsibility and is now leading from the front in the WTA Rankings. Coming from a place where there was limited accessibility to try her hands on the game, she made her way and eventually came out at the top. Despite being at the top of the world, there is still something that Iga Swiatek does not seem satisfied with, her country’s current scope in tennis.

Reflecting on the same, in an interview, Swiatek talked about how she grew up playing tennis while reflecting on how the American players differ in the same. She talked about the mentality that is embedded in them right from the start that gives them an edge over players from across the world.

Iga Swiatek sheds light on how American tennis players differ in terms of mental strength

In a recent revelation, Iga Swiatek came ahead and shared her thoughts on why American tennis players often seem more confident. She explained that growing up in Poland made her doubt her chances of becoming a tennis star because there weren’t many Polish players who succeeded on the world stage, unlike in America where there are lots of famous tennis stars to look up to.

“But I never really believed that it actually was going to be possible for me to win a Grand Slam or be world number one, because I’m not from a country with a long tradition of playing tennis. I think if I were American, I would’ve believed in myself a lot more from a young age,” said Swiatek.

She also went ahead and mentioned how the idea of the “American dream” and the strong tennis history in the U.S. can boost confidence from a young age. She felt that having more examples and a system in place helps athletes believe in themselves.

“When I looked at how many people actually succeeded in tennis in Poland not so long ago, it was only Agnieszka Radwańska really, so I just didn’t think it’d be possible,” she further continued.

Thus, her words shed light on how American players might have a mental advantage because of the country’s rich tennis history and the inspiring success stories that surround them, something she wished she had experienced in her own journey.

Also read: WTA World No.1 Iga Swiatek Stamps Her Authority as True Serena Williams’ Successor With an Incredibly Dominant Record at China Open

Not only this, but her childhood hasn’t always been the perfect one compared to how it would have been for others. Reflecting on the same, she revealed how her parents did not have a strong support system in Poland.

Swiatek reveals how she did not have a strong support system in Poland

Revealing about her past, she suggested that she did not have a strong support system for her parents in Poland that would have allowed them to explore their hands at tennis even more freely. While being young, there were moments when she and her sister were doubtful if they would be able to continue their journey in tennis or not. Another major problem that she listed there was the inability to find the right sponsor.

This was one of the major reasons why people in Poland, who had major potential were wasting their talents. Thus, these were some of the reasons that were listed by tennis sensation Iga Swiatek who suggested that even though her journey was not as smooth, she somehow managed to make it to the top and surprise everyone.

Watch this story: Distressing Serena Williams Reality Leaves Gaping Void That’s Nearly Impossible to Fill for Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek