Do challenges reshape one’s personality? While opinions may vary, for former WTA number one Iga Swiatek, the 2024 season has been a lesson in growth and resilience. Shaken by a doping controversy that impacted her mental health, introverted Swiatek candidly revealed how the experience forced her to reevaluate her outlook on life. Reflecting on her past attitude, she acknowledged how her old attitude held her back. Now, the Polish player returns like a warrior, explaining how fame affected her mental health and vowed not to let anything upset her happiness and focus.

Although disappointed and mentally impacted at the beginning, this Polish WTA star finally recovered from her state and started practicing for the 2025 season with renewed zeal. However, her spirit received another setback with her 2025 United Cup defeat in Sydney against Coco Gauff by 4-6 and 4-6. More than her defeat, her followers remained concerned about her Medical Time Out during her match against Gauff. While an apparent issue with Swiatek’s left thigh became concerning, the Polish player tried to refute the tension by saying, “I’ll be good.”

Swiatek’s response offered a big change in her attitude. Known as an introverted player, she changed her perceptions by expressing intense attention to her Melbourne Major dream this season. However, things weren’t like this for Swiatek since the beginning. She revealed stressing herself with commitments and often landing in depression. As a kid with higher ambition, she didn’t want to let down her sponsors. Whenever a minor defeat occurred at any tournament, she felt she was not doing justice to her brand, which signed her up for her popularity, skill, and career growth. Reflecting on this aspect, Swiatek candidly revealed in a recent episode of the Tennis Insider podcast, “Back then I think I was the one that like put so much pressure on myself. I remember getting my like first patch sponsor and it big deal, you know. Its, It was so much pressure for me at doing my first matches. Because I was like, ‘oh my god, I have this sponsor now they want me to succeed so like if like I am not gonna repeat anything that I have done in Paris you know.”

Talking along the same line, she further added, “And I remember I lost the tournament before Australian Open, it was in Melbourne cause It was covid and they did all the 500s in Melbourne kinda and I cried for like a day because I felt like I disappointed them you know. Why did they invest like so much money in me if I am losing?”

The former WTA number one has brought a shift in her attitude, confessing how intensely she looks forward to enjoying her life. Addressing this, though, Iga Swiatek laid bare her soul, confessing why she thinks she needs to balance her professional and personal lives with equal dedication.

Iga Swiatek wishes “to enjoy life a little more”

In a recent interview with the Tennis Insider Club, Swiatek surprised everyone with her recent take on life. “I’m trying to enjoy life a little more, You have to balance it out,” she said. The Polish player’s words hinted at her take on her traditionally deliberate play-style to add a touch of flamboyance. Although she lost the 2025 United Cup, she had a great victory in the tournament when she defeated her longtime nemesis Elena Rybakina for the first time. “I pushed myself to the limits of my abilities. I knew I had nothing to lose,” she said.

Reflecting on her doping controversy, Swiatek’s recent comments showed her indomitable spirit. “You can be at peace with yourself that you didn’t do anything wrong, but no one actually treats you like that… Especially the people that are kind of prosecuting you. Even when you’re telling the truth, you feel like they treat you like a liar,” she said. Her statement highlighted how this crucial phase changed her vision towards life and showed her the importance of prioritizing things in life alongside tennis.

Iga Swiatek might have lost her 2025 season’s first tournament, but she doesn’t look nervous at all. Instead, she set her eyes on the 2025 Australian Open and looked forward to compensating for her loss with a grand victory on the hard courts of Melbourne. Do you think she can prove her potential at the season’s first Grand Slam?