Agnieszka Radwanska Assesses Iga Swiatek’s Emotional State After Tearful First-Round Wimbledon Win

Even though it was a first-round match, defending champion Iga Swiatek was overwhelmed with emotions after her tough three-set win over Taylor Townsend. Right after the win, Swiatek broke down in tears while sitting on her bench.

Later at the press conference, Swiatek said playing her first match as the defending champion was “for sure really emotional“. Swiatek undoubtedly is dealing with a lot of pressure.

Not only is she the defending champion at SW19, but she is also struggling with her form. Swiatek, who once used to dominate a lot, is struggling to make deep runs.

This season, after winning the United Cup with Poland, the six-time Major champion failed to reach a final. She has, in fact, played just one semifinal this year, at the Italian Open, losing to eventual champion Elina Svitolina.

Before arriving at Wimbledon, Swiatek suffered an opening-round exit at the Bad Homburg Open. Countrywoman Agnieszka Radwanska thinks Swiatek is battling with herself amidst all the pressure. She told Interia:

The years behind her have started to accumulate, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult for her. It’s evident in her emotions on the court. Even after the first round, which used to be a piece of cake for her. How much emotion it takes, how much health she has to sacrifice in every match… But it’s a battle, as I said, primarily with herself.

Swiatek last won a title at the 2025 Korea Open. In last year’s Wimbledon final, the 25-year-old double-bageled Amanda Anisimova and won her career’s first title on grass. Before that event, she played her career’s first grass-court final at the Bad Homburg Open, losing the match to Jessica Pegula.

And in my opinion, it’s at this moment on the court, with the pressure of those around her, that it becomes clear. We ourselves become our own worst opponent.

Agnieszka Radwanska added

After her win over Townsend, Swiatek breezed past fellow former World No.1 Karolina Pliskova. The win helped Swiatek improve her head-to-head record to a perfect 4-0.

Iga Swiatek will face Alexandra Eala

Iga Swiatek will next be up against Alexandra Eala. The Filipino, after breezing past Renata Zarazua, came from a set down to defeat Maya Joint, who, in her opening-round match, overcame 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams.

Swiatek will be facing Eala for the third time in her career. They are tied at 1-1 in the head-to-head matchups after their matches in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Miami Open (Eala won) and the fourth round of the 2025 Madrid Open (Swiatek won).

I don’t particularly know her game on grass. Obviously, you can watch a little bit. But I know how she plays because we’ve played already. She has a tricky game. I can assume that on grass it’s even more tricky because of the surface.

Iga Swiatek said at the press conference

Eala will be playing in the third round of a Major for the first time in her career. She is also competing at Wimbledon for the second time in her career (suffered an opening-round exit last year).

For sure she’s using her strengths, the change of rhythm and everything. So I will prepare, and I’ll be ready. It will be a good challenge for me because she doesn’t give that rhythm. I’ll need to be ready for different kinds of shots.

Iga Swiatek added

Eala has yet to win a title on the tour. She has, however, played one final, at the 2025 Eastbourne International, which she lost to Joint. She won the Birmingham Classic (WTA 125) this year by defeating Nikola Bartunkova. Eala also made the semifinal of the Berlin Open (lost to eventual champion Linda Noskova) but suffered an opening-round exit in Bad Homburg.

Also read: Watching Idol Serena Williams Play Singles Again at Wimbledon Made Naomi Osaka ‘Really Emotional’