Iga Swiatek was supposed to win the Clay court for the 2nd time in just a span of 2 months. If the script was read right. However, this was torn off into pieces when Qinwen Zheng came into the scene at the semifinals. Moreover, it wasn’t just the script that was into bits, but also the hope and conviction of Swiatek’s father, Tomasz, in Paris. How did this upset the Chinese viewed in the context of Poland’s loss and Swiatek’s father’s hopes?

Swiatek certainly inherited the right set of genetics from her parents. Her father was also a world-class tennis player, and the Pole followed right in his footsteps. However, those genes didn’t come to her rescue as she not only suffered a slow start, but Zheng took 1st set comfortably. But also let go of her lead of 4-0 in the 2nd set. Result, the Chinese came out with full force as she ousted the Pole and proceeded to make it to the finals. But this also meant that the hope that Swiatek’s father had put in her backfired again. This time in Paris.

Tomasz, a top player himself back in 1989, knows about how Poland and a few Olympic rituals about the country. Hence, when he was asked his views on his daughter being the flag bearer for the country. The proud father was not so keen on Swiatek signing up for it. As he said, “I wouldn’t decide to do that. Especially since there’s this curse that doesn’t allow standard-bearers to win medals,” reminiscing about his days during the Seoul Olympics. He further appreciates the opening ceremony but advises against it if someone has to participate in a match a few hours later. He believed that Swiatek was ready for everything.

The yesteryear champion put his faith in his daughter and her team to do well. As he said, “She has an experienced coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski, with her, she has Daria Abramowicz, who also has experience and a big influence on what happens at Iga’s. She also has Maciej Ryszczuk, who does a great job in the shadows in terms of physical preparation.” He further insisted that “Such a team can help her in any situation.”

Rightly so, but in front of her Chinese opponent, Swiatek fell short of something and this time her team might not have any answer to it. Or just like Tokyo, the extra pressure got the best of her again. Did her father’s achievements and expectations play a role in making it tough for the Pole?

A roadblock followed by a peculiar analogy between Swiatek and her dad

After her unanticipated exit, this saying perfectly suits the illustrious father-daughter duo: “Like father like daughter!” The duo has represented their nation at the Olympics, and both made it to the last eight of the tournament. And maybe this was also the cause of all the pressure everyone was anticipating. Nothing else seems to come to mind about the player who has won and shown exceptional consistency in the clay courts of Paris. This is like the repeat of Tokyo, only a step better!

Swiatek opened up about what the Olympics mean to her, back in 2021. She said, “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.” 

Things certainly get intense when they get personal, but the downside is that they put immense pressure, which no other source could put. And for Swiatek, this seems to be a personal battle on the professional front.