In the world of professional tennis, Iga Swiatek’s name is shining brightly. Vying for her fourth Grand Slam in the French Open, the 23-year-old player has been embracing the top spot in tennis for 106 weeks now. However, behind her success lies a family that has played a remarkable role in guiding her to the top. Although her mother comes from the medical line, Swiatek’s father was a renowned rower. Combining both of these genes, Swiatek’s older sister, Agata’s journey has also been nothing short of remarkable.

Iga Swiatek’s father, Tomasz, is no stranger to the athletic world. While tennis didn’t capture his interest, rowing became his true passion, providing him with the chance to proudly represent Poland at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. As a significant player in the men’s quadruple sculls, he completed the event after acquiring seventh place. Not only that but a year prior to that, 1964-born Tomasz also earned a gold medal at the Universiade event while remaining a member of a sports club in Warsaw.

Iga Swiatek’s father, who wanted his two daughters to immerse themselves in sports, was over the moon when Agata, his older daughter, showed a keen interest in tennis. The 25-year-old former player also enjoyed her time on-court and had a nine-month career in the ITF Junior Circuit back in 2013. But as injuries troubled her, a 15-year-old Agata had to quit her dream of becoming a tennis player. While Iga, who initially started playing with her sister, continued her journey in tennis, Agata found her calling in academics, a field in which her mother, Dorota Swiatek, specializes. 

Dorota, an orthodontist, has always kept a low profile. But when it comes to her children, Dorota made sure to help them complete their education. Inspired by her mother’s journey in medicine, Agata enrolled in the Medical University of Lublin. After graduating from there in 2022, Agata now practices dentistry in two dental clinics in Warsaw.

Much like her mother, she followed her passion for medicine and enjoys training in various periodontology courses. However, the journey has not been entirely smooth for the Polish family. Especially when it came to supporting Iga Swiatek’s dreams in tennis, her father, Tomasz, recalled the struggles that they had to go through.

Iga Swiatek’s father reveals the financial struggles he faced during the initial days of Swiatek’s career in tennis

Iga Swiatek’s father, who is frequently found cheering for her daughter from the stands in her tournaments, was there when Swiatek won her initial rounds in Paris this year. Now, as she gears up to compete against Jasmine Paolini, hopefully, the tennis world will again find him supporting the four-time grand slam champion in the final match. Although Swiatek and her family now enjoy her remarkable success at the top, following her passion for tennis didn’t come without its challenges. 

Shedding light on the matter, Swiatek’s father once said, “I always had dreams, but realizing them was not so easy. It has long been known that Iga has a gift for playing. There was a moment when I was against the wall financially. When I explained to Iga that there might come a time when we would have to stop training, I was convinced to try again.”

However, after years of struggles, Swiatek is now living her dreams. Swiatek, a winner of 21 titles, is onto her next one today at Roland Garros. Armed with the love and support of her family, she is now at the French Open, giving her best to win her fourth title in Paris!