Iga Swiatek Shares Her Perspective of Being ‘Superstar’ in Poland

Iga Swiatek has reached the second round of Wimbledon and will be meeting Caty McNally for the second time in her career.

Iga Swiatek Shares Her Perspective of Being ‘Superstar’ in Poland

Iga Swiatek (Image via X/Cycling on TNT Sports)

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Iga Swiatek became a superstar in Poland when she lifted her first Roland Garros title in 2020. It was difficult at first to get used to it, but she does enjoy being someone who can bring positive changes in her country.

She likes to influence the kids to pick up a tennis racket for a career. After securing a 7-5, 6-1 win over Russia’s Polina Kudermetova in the first round of Wimbledon, the Pole was asked what she thinks of herself becoming a celebrity in her country.

If I show good values and show how to do sports in a good way, I can really influence the kids. I’m really trying to be a good example. Any time I see people cheering for me and coming to me in Poland and saying, ‘Hey my kid started doing sports or playing tennis because of you,’ it’s the best feeling and motivation.

But with fame comes some loss of freedom and Swiatek’s case is no different. In an interview this May, Swiatek admitted that living in peace in Poland is “impossible” and she rarely leaves her home for fear of being photographed when she needs some privacy.

When I go to Poland, I can’t really go to a restaurant anymore and not be asked for photos like every two minutes. But I knew it would always be like that if I’m gonna play tennis well and if I’m gonna go this way off the court. I just try to use my time to make some good impact and hopefully inspire the kids.

Iga Swiatek added

Swiatek, at Wimbledon, will be aiming to secure a berth in the final for the first time. She will also be bidding to win her first title of the season.

Iga Swiatek to face Caty McNally in the first round

Iga Swiatek‘s second-round opponent is Caty McNally, who knocked out home favorite Jodie Anna Burrage in the previous round. The upcoming match will be their second encounter on the tour following their clash in the quarterfinal in Ostrava back in 2022.

Iga Swiatek
Iga Swiatek (via Wimbledon)

McNally has reached the second round of Wimbledon for the first time in her career. Before this year, twice she got knocked out in the first round (in 2019 and 2023). She had skipped the tournament and also the rest three Majors last year.

The American ace produced her best Grand Slam singles performance in 2020 when she reached the US Open third round. French Open is the only Major where the 23-year-old has never progressed to the main draw.

In doubles, however, McNally was the finalist at the US Open in 2021 and 2022. She has lifted eight career titles in doubles but has not yet won a title in singles.

Swiatek, on the other hand, produced her best at Wimbledon when she reached the quarterfinals in 2023, losing the match to Elina Svitolina. Last year, Yulia Puntintseva knocked her out in the third round.

Swiatek has never won a title on grass. Before arriving in London this year, Swiatek, at the Bad Homburg Open, progressed to the final- her first on grass. But she ended up losing the match to World No.3 Jessica Pegula.

The five-time Grand Slam champion has not yet lifted a title since winning her fourth Roland Garros trophy at the French Open last year. At this year’s French Open, Swiatek reached the semifinal, only to lose in three sets to three-time Grand Slam singles champion Aryna Sabalenka.

Swiatek could face the Belarusian again if she reaches the final. But before that, if she progresses to the fourth round, the former World No.1 could face a tough opponent in the form of 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.

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