Iga Swiatek Reveals Why She Cried Uncontrollably After Tough Wimbledon Win over Taylor Townsend: “It Was Mix of Different Emotions”

Emotions got the better of Iga Swiatek after she survived a scare in the first round of Wimbledon. Even though it was her first match, the pressure of competing as the defending champion made her emotional, as, after her 6-1, 2-6, 6-3 win over Taylor Townsend, she broke down in tears.

A multiple Grand Slam champion crying uncontrollably after her first match in a Major is not a very common sight, but Swiatek getting overwhelmed with emotions after tough wins is. At the press conference later, Swiatek tried to describe what she was feeling right after that win.

I think the whole process of opening the court and playing as a defending champion is, for sure, really emotional. Last year, probably the most amazing thing in my tennis career happened here. So I felt it also today. But, you know, it was a mix of different emotions. Overall, I’m happy that I got the win, and I can have another chance to play on this court.

Only two women in the Open Era lost in the opening round of Wimbledon while playing as the defending champion (Steffi Graf and Marketa Vondrousova).

Swiatek is trying to rediscover her lost form. Forget about reaching a final, the six-time Grand Slam champion has so far played just one semifinal this year. Even on her favorite surface, clay, the four-time French Open champion failed to progress to the title clash. The last time she played a clay-court final was at the 2024 French Open.

Last year was well, she struggled a great deal at the start of the season and reached a final for the first time at the Bad Homburg Open (her career’s first final on grass). Even though Jessica Pegula defeated her, the Pole got crowned as Wimbledon champion after a shock double-bagel win over Amanda Anisimova in the final.

But in Bad Homburg this year, Swiatek lost in the opening round at the hands of Emma Navarro. It was the second time this season Swiatek fell in the opening round of a tournament.

Iga Swiatek expected a tough match against Taylor Townsend

Before the Wimbledon first round, Iga Swiatek had never faced Taylor Townsend in a singles match. Townsend, ranked 79th in singles, is a former doubles No.1 and a current No.2, so Swiatek had already expected a difficult match versus the American ace.

I knew I had to be prepared from the very first round to play at a very high level. Taylor is a player who understands very well how to play on grass, and that is very noticeable.

Iga Swiatek said at the press conference

Swiatek will next lock horns with fellow former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova, who is also a former Wimbledon finalist (2021). The Czech ace knocked out countrywoman Tereza Valentova in the previous round. Swiatek will face Maya Joint or Alexandra Eala if she reaches the third round.

On one hand, there is more pressure because you know you can’t afford to start slowly. But, at the same time, you also accept that the opponent can play very well, and not everything depends on you. She can also hit extraordinary shots, and, in a way, that releases some pressure for you.

Iga Swiatek added

Swiatek last won a title at the 2025 Korea Open. The only time she reached the semifinal of a tournament this year was at the Italian Open, where she lost in three sets to eventual champion Elina Svitolina.

In this year’s Australian Open and French Open, the 24-year-old fell in the quarterfinals (lost to eventual champion Elena Rybakina) and fourth round (lost to Marta Kostyuk), respectively.

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