“He always belived, even before I did,” Iga Swiatek reveals how her dad supported her throughout her career while always believing in her potential

The Polish ace has come a long way in her career.

“He always belived, even before I did,” Iga Swiatek reveals how her dad supported her throughout her career while always believing in her potential

Iga Swiatek with her father (Image via Imago)

Iga Swiatek has come a long way since turning pro on the Tour. The 22-year-old has four Grand Slam titles to her credit and has been ranked as the World No. 1 player for over 100 weeks now.

However, it was not an easy journey for the Pole. She was not born to do this but found her feet through hard work and the support of her parents, especially her father.

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Writing for The Player’s Tribune, Swiatek recalled the reception she received in Poland after winning her maiden French Open title. She mentioned the moment her father drove the car through the city while soaking in all the love from the fans for his daughter with a wide grin on his face.

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Swiatek said that it felt surreal to her. The 22-year-old said that while the love and appreciation from the fans was a new experience for her, seeing the happiness on her father’s face was something that remained with her forever. Swiatek claimed that her father always believed in her, even before she did. 

But it’s funny the way memories work, because when I think about winning Roland Garros that first time and driving into Warsaw three days later, I don’t really think about any of the craziness. Or the medal or the ceremony...I mostly just remember my dad driving the car. I remember looking over at him and seeing a big grin on his face. He always believed. Even before I did. Which either makes him a really great dad or really crazy — ha ha.
Iga Swiatek wrote in her colums for The Player’s Tribune.

Iga Swiatek talks about how things changed for her following her Grand Slam win

Iga Swiatek mentioned her father backing her while talking about how things changed for her after her maiden Grand Slam victory. The Polish ace recalled the reception she received in her hometown and then went on to talk about the prolonged effect of that win.

Iga Swiatek
Iga Swiatek (Image via Imago)

Swiatek claims that every person in Poland recognizes her. The 21-year-old said that things changed overnight for her. Swiatek admitted that while she might not be recognized across the globe, she is certain that everyone knows her in Poland and can recognize her by her voice.

Winning my first Slam obviously changed everything for me, overnight. There are still many places in the world where for sure I’m not going to be recognized. If a random person looks at me, they’re not going to say, Oh, she’s an athlete, she plays tennis. But not in Poland. I’ve actually had some situations where people recognized me by my voice when I was ordering something to eat.
Iga Swiatek claims.

Notably, Swiatek has indeed become a celebrity in her home country. In fact, she is among the global superstars, as the Polish ace was recently named among the richest female athletes in the world.

She continues to marvel in her career, and it is believed the Polish ace will end up as one of the greatest to have played the game. 

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