Imagine playing one of the most crucial matches of your career and teetering on the brink of defeat—not because of your opponent’s prowess, but because of the immense family pressure you’re under. It’s a scenario that would sting any player, and right now, it’s the reality for Polish sensation Iga Swiatek. At least that is what her fans believe.

Swiatek faced her Chinese counterpart Qinwen Zheng in the semi-finals of the 2024 Summer Olympics in the singles category. And despite having a head-to-head lead of 6-0, the Polish star lost the first set of the match and was visibly stressed as she attempted to get her claws back on the match. Tennis enthusiasts are claiming this to be the result of the pressure she is witnessing due to her father’s aspirations. Taking to X, one user revealed the history of Swiatek’s family in the Olympics.

“Swiatek family members who achieved a top 8 finish at the Olympics: Tomasz Swiatek (rowing, Seoul 1988) Iga Swiatek (tennis, Paris 2024)” For the unversed the Pole’s father, Tomasz Swiatek, is a Polish rower and a former Olympian who has made his country proud on several occasions. His experiences, amalgamated with the stories of the grand tournament, have resonated deeply with the Pole, which encourages her more for the Olympics.

In an interview with Euro Sports before the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Swiatek revealed her motivation. “The Olympics have long been a very important tournament for me. Many tennis players do not intend to compete in them, but for me, it has always been the most important event.” But as the star player is battling out her opponent, her fans are blaming her father as they draw a peculiar analogy!

Match update: Swiatek faced a defeat in straight sets 6-2, 7-5

“Too much pressure,” Fans unhappy about Swiatek’s adversities

As soon as the above tweet went viral, several fans joined in to express their dissent. Taking to the platform, one user reflected on Swiatek’s challenges. “this Olympic pressure is one of the weirdest things in Iga’s career so far (worth noting that this pressure is purely internal), to understand it one must also realize what was happening to Aga after Olympic losses, it’s clear Iga’s team is aiming not to repeat that PR disaster.”

Swiatek lost in the second round of her Tokyo Olympics campaign. While she aimed to win big on the clay this Summer, the challenges seem to intensifying. And even Swiatek has revealed that she desires to win big because of her father. In an interaction with Eurosport, Swiatek revealed, “Also because of my father, who was an Olympian and competed in rowing in Seoul in 1988. Since childhood, I have heard many positive things about the Olympics from him.” However, the desire to fulfill her father’s wish seems to put a toll on the star player’s performance. The series of tweets continued. 

The Chinese player will be the first from her country to reach an Olympic final after knocking out the favorite. Another user highlighted the dominance of China in the Olympics. “So China will win another medal just because Swiatek has pressure of overtaking her dad’s feat??? Sick. In my opinion.” China has already won 21 medals in the Summer Olympics and is currently placed at the top of the medal tally. As the World No. 1 lost to her opponent in the semi-finals, it ensured an additional medal for China. Several other users, meanwhile, continued to show Swiatek’s challenges. 

“Keep this in mind when watching Iga today: This is a win-and-you-medal match, which was her dad’s evaporated dream – explains why she’s uncharacteristically so tense and erratic,” a user wrote. Swiatek’s pressure is immense when she desires to fulfill her dad’s dreams. Speaking about the same, Tomasz had once revealed the reason behind not attending the Pole’s tennis matches. “I watch most of Iga’s matches at home. Sometimes I arrange to watch it with friends. Watching the match live is very demanding because every look or gesture is noticed by Iga.”

Responding to the tweet, yet another user expressed their sorrow. “Very sad, the pressure of fulfilling the dream of one’s parent that maybe has become your dream 🙁 nothing is black and white when it comes to a person’s behavior – she is a person after all, even if she is a GS champion. Good luck, Iga!🍀” Swiatek is a 5-time Grand Slam champion and was a clear favorite in the Paris Olympics. She is fresh off her third consecutive victory at the French Open, and her fourth title in the tournament. But her latest match is indeed a setback for many.

Another user simply expressed the pressure, the 23-year-old was in. “Too much pressure 😕” While the Pole has failed to win the match, her dream of an Olympic medal is still intact. Can Swiatek win a bronze? Well, only time will tell!