‘We Do Not Have a Support System’ – Emotions Take Centre Stage for Iga Swiatek as She Recalls a Period of Great Anxiety

Tennis stars who maintain their positions on top of the tennis charts, pave their way through roads that bring countless hurdles. Polish tennis icon Iga Swiatek, who has been setting new standards in the world of women’s tennis, is no different from players who go through challenges to reach a significant position. Recently, in an interview, she revealed her struggle from earlier days.

Hailing from a country like Poland, where the support system for players is not as developed as other competitive nations, the young star has traveled a long way to achieve the world No.1 position which she maintained for two consecutive years. Opening up about her journey in a recent interview, the 22-year-old recently shared her journey which happened to be worth the attention of every enthusiast.

Iga Swiatek reveals unheard stories about her nervous past

Polish tennis sensation Iga Swiatek has enjoyed a great season this year. By presenting a consistent form that not only dominated the courts but also rewarded her with a staggering $7 million in prize money, she established her strong image as one of the best players WTA currently has. However, the bright career with glittering trophies and financial success was built out on a pile of challenges that made her journey hard.

In a recent interview, the current World No.1 revealed the problems faced by her and every other player who roots in countries like Poland where tennis is considered to be an expensive sport. She mentioned, “I can’t say I’m not set up, because I’ve earned so much that I could not work for the rest of my life. However, the path I walked could have been smoother. Less nervous. Most of my career was taken on the shoulders of my father, who often groped in the dark, because we do not have a support system in Poland for parents who want to give their children a chance in an expensive sport such as tennis.

Remembering the old times when she used to be worried about the outcomes of her journey, she added, “There were many moments when my sister and I were not sure that we would be able to continue our sporting adventure. I don’t think they would appear in many other countries where there is a system or it is easier to find a sponsor who will trust or treat a young person as an investment. I can’t complain because I’ve succeeded, but I see athletes wasting their potential because of it.” The tennis legend’s feat of building a strong career at such a young age along with facing the hurdles depicts the determination that the champion carries.

A glorious journey that broke stereotypes

While Iga Swiatek highlighted the challenges faced by athletes who rise from countries without a stable support system, her excellence on the court turned the tables to a remarkable extent. Looking up to the present status, the Polish tennis sensation achieved a milestone by becoming the first female tennis player to be sponsored by the Roger Federer-backed Swiss company On.

This achievement marked a significant point in her endorsement journey. Along with this collaboration, Swiatek also held a sponsorship by Asics for clothing and shoes since the beginning of 2020. Her earlier association with global brand Nike was also a part of her top endorsements.

Swiatek’s journey from the courts of Poland to earning sponsorships from renowned international brands not only gained her enough earnings but also changed the stereotypes that she mentioned. The upgrade in her journey from Nike to Asics and then to On highlighted her growing influence in the world of tennis as well as a strong sports figure that the world looks up to.

ALSO READ: ‘Unhappy’ Iga Swiatek Lashes Out at the WTA Following the ‘Calendar Reform’ Debacle

As the world No.1 continues to turn the tables with her excellence, her endorsement deals create a mark that countries like Poland can look up to, changing their mindset to create a strong support system for rising stars.

Watch This Story: Exploring Dominic Thiem the Person Like Never Before