Polish player Iga Swiatek has nothing to worry about now. While the WTA star may still be recovering from the controversies surrounding her doping case, she is already back on the court practicing – putting all the negativity behind. Reflecting on Swiatek’s exceptional performances over the past two years, the former pro compared her with Serena Williams and shed light on why the pressure is even bigger for her, considering her rise and the expectations that come with it.

Iga Swiatek’s situation received an interesting perspective from former player and tennis coach Agnieszka Radwańska. This Polish former pro has a record of 20 WTA titles in singles and two trophies in doubles. She also reached a career-high ranking of two in 2012 July. A recipient of WTA’s Fan Favorite Award six times, Agnieszka Radwańska joined Magda Linette’s team as a coach. The Polish coach was interviewed by the country’s media publication Przeglad Sportowy Onet. During her discussion, she showed great support highlighting the stress of Iga Swiatek.

“Iga Swiatek has twice as much pressure because she has been at the top for almost three years. We also had leaders who changed every now and then, so the pressure on them was lower. Iga is at a different level, she has been defending her position for a long time. I am reminded of Serena Williams, who was no longer playing for another Grand Slam title, but for the record in the number of titles won. We are talking about a different level of pressure,” she said. Her statement highlighted Swiatek’s ordeal given she was the former number one when she tested positive for the banned substance. Radwańska drew comparisons between Serena Williams and Swiatek highlighting the stress of athletes to remain on top. She mentioned that people have already set a standard for the Polish WTA star given she has secured her position in the top three for the last few years.

Williams went through similar pressure. “Every day having ‘Serena’ on your back is a massive target for the tour, for press, for stress, But as Billie Jean King said, ‘Pressure is a privilege.’ So I wouldn’t want it any other way. I just try to think about how fortunate I am to have been in this position, and honestly, to be Serena,” said Serena in a press conference during the 2020 US Open. She highlighted how her brilliance and her excellence created a name for her and that in return became a stress factor. She had to constantly keep up to her followers’ expectation.

Radwańska silently hinted at Swiatek’s doping ordeal when she tested positive for Trimetazidine from contaminated melatonin. She faced suspension losing her rank as she couldn’t participate in the Asian Swing. Although Swiatek didn’t take the banned substance knowingly, the news of her doping trial created a huge controversy leaving an introverted person like her in sheer trauma and disappointment. However, the Polish WTA star recovered from that mindset and geared up for an intense practice session for the next season to show that she is a fighter.

Back in 2023, Radwańska wasn’t impressed with Swiatek when the latter decided to withdraw from the 2023 Billie Jean King Cup. Swiatek’s decision impacted Poland’s pace as they exited the tournament in quarterfinals leaving Radwańska utterly disappointed in Swiatek.

When Agnieszka Radwańska was displeased with Iga Swiatek

When Poland exited the 2023 Billie Jean King Cup in the quarterfinals, Radwańska said, “She might not even perform to support the girls or play at a lower level just to win. She might not participate in all the meetings, but the most important ones.” Her statement highlighted how displeased she was with Swiatek regarding her decision. Her statement felt as if she blamed Swiatek for Poland’s quarterfinal exit.

Responding to Radwańska’s allegations, Swiatek firmly said, “Agnieszka expressed her opinion in the context that she herself had sacrificed many times for the national team. A similar attitude must certainly be appreciated. However, I have the impression that in the past all this was not analyzed so carefully and some things were easier to plan. There was no discussion that, for example, the next tournament would be played on another continent.”

Radwańska’s recent support for Iga Swiatek showcases that players have each other’s back when it is needed the most. Despite the earlier feud, Radwańska offered great support to Swiatek and explained her situation. Such gestures highlight tennis’ ability to bring people closer despite any rivalry or difference of opinion.