‘Not Everybody Can Be Like That’ – Iga Swiatek’s Thought on Mental Health Resonates With Naomi Osaka

Iga Swiatek has been absolutely phenomenal in the past few months. The polish tennis star currently is at her absolute best and is breaking records and winning titles for fun. The current world number 1 recently defeated Ons Jabeur in straight sets to register her 28th consecutive victory. Also, with this win, she has now won a commendable total of five titles this season. At the young age of 20, she already has a Grand Slam on her resume. And she will look forward to adding more in tally with the Roland Garros approaching.

Although the young tennis sensation is known for her ruthless gameplay. The 20-year-old displayed her emotional side when she celebrated a win with tears in her eyes. In a recent interview, she opened up about the importance of expressing emotions and mental health stereotypes that exist for athletes.

Iga Swiatek Resonates With Naomi Osaka on Athlete’s Mental Health

Iga Swiatek spoke openly about the mental health issues athletes face and her thoughts on the same were similar to that of Naomi Osaka. Talking about her emotional side, Swiatek said that people often misunderstand her emotions as a weakness, but actually it works as her strength. She also said that the problem exists because of the stereotypes about the mental health of athletes.

“For sure, stereotypes that we have in terms of mental health are sometimes not helpful because not everybody can be like that. I am, for example, pretty emotional and I’m aware of that. Sometimes showing my emotions can help me to perform better or to stay more calm after,” she said.

Notably, in a dramatic turn of events, Naomi had pulled out of last year’s Roland Garros midway, citing mental health and anxiety as an issue. There was a huge uproar and people even questioned her commitment to the game. Swiatek has also given mental health paramount importance, as she is often seen traveling with her personal psychologist, Daria Abramowicz.

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Unlike other players, who constantly keep in touch with the coach while practicing. The current world number 1 shares that equation with her psychologist. Speaking about the same, she said,

“On the top level, everybody can play tennis but not everyone can stay focused or be mentally strong so I’m pretty proud of me and my psychologist on the work that we have done. I feel like sometimes I can be really strong mentally and it has also given me a lot of confidence.”

The Records Swiatek Can Break

Iga Swiatek has been in a astounding form. The 20-year-old has already won 4 WTA1000 titles this year. In the past 20 years, only three players game managed to achieve this feat. However, winning this year’s Roland Garros will bring her at par with Serena Williams for the record for the most number of WTA1000 titles won by a player in 1 year.

Also, there are more WTA1000 tournaments to follow (Cincinnati and Toronto), and if the Polish wins any of them, she might even surpass Serena Williams.

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Notably, when Serena achieved this record, it looked unachievable for any other player. But looking at the determination and wonderful form of current world number 1, it doesn’t look impossible anymore.