‘I Don’t Have Discipline’ – Perfectionist Iga Swiatek Turns Self Critic as She Confesses a Rare Failure on Her Part

Iga Swiatek, world No.1  and the dominant winner of the Indian Wells Masters Cup, seems to be at the peak of her form. In her first match at the Miami Open Swiatek outclassed Italy’s Camila Giorgi in straight sets, stretching her staggering winning streak. The Polish phenom’s current form and success can also be credited to the people that surround her, her team, and her parents.

Her father, Tomasz Swiatek has been an integral part of her tennis journey since a young age. Post her Indian Wells triumph, Swiatek jokingly reveals she couldn’t follow her dad’s advice due to her lack of discipline.

‘I am glad that I have people around me that are helpful’ – Iga Swiatek

Swiatek was recently featured on the WTA Insider Podcast where she humorously revealed that her lack of discipline stopped her from following her father’s advice. “My dad was a rower and he always did these crazy journals describing everything. And he kind of, actually he told me and my sister a couple of times, ‘Oh you have to do this to be a good athlete’ but I don’t have the discipline (giggles). I wasn’t able to continue longer than three weeks honestly, so I don’t,” she said.

Giving credit where it’s due, the champion mentions, “But I have people who journal for me, Maciej [Ryszczuk] for example my physio and my physical coach. I didn’t ask him to do that but I know that he does that in terms of you know how my body feels. Sometimes he even reminds me, ‘Remember how you felt on this tournament and how you worked on that’ so they have much better memory than I.” 

A thankful Swiatek says, “I am kind of this person that is sometimes resetting things, so uhm I am glad that I have people around me that are helpful,” concluding her statement and displaying gratitude which is a mark of a true tennis champion.

The Pole has many times reiterated her father’s importance in her journey. Tomasz, an international rower himself has stayed true to the tradition of tennis parents by being the wind under her wings. He has also been very vocal in defending her.

‘Her views are clear’ – Tomasz Swiatek on Iga Swiatek

Ever since the Ukraine-Russia war raged on, Swiatek has often been found addressing the geopolitical tensions. Consequently, when she lost her Wimbledon match to Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, it stirred disapproval among a portion of her fan base.

Speaking on the issue in an interview her father was not happy with the reaction, “She plays with a ribbon on her hat, her views are clear – she wants the war to end. Unfortunately, after the match with Elina Svitolina, there were many negative comments. It was hurtful.”

Currently going strong at the Miami Open, Swiatek is set to face Czech tennis star Linda Nosková in the round of 32. It’ll be interesting to see if the champ can be consistent with her subliminal form and secure the ‘Sunshine Double’.

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