“It’s a burden,” Iga Swiatek reveals how she sometimes finds it difficult to live upto fans’ expectations

Though she is finding it difficult to balance, she is trying hard not to let it affect her in any way.

“It’s a burden,” Iga Swiatek reveals how she sometimes finds it difficult to live upto fans’ expectations

Iga Swiatek (Image via Imago)

World No.1 Iga Swiatek wants to inspire people but also finds it a burden to live up to their expectations. Swiatek is currently in Madrid for the WTA 1000 Masters event and spoke about her role as a top-ranked player after an easy win over Sara Sorribes Tormo 6-1, 6-0 in the Round of 16. 

Swiatek is bidding to win her first Madrid Open title following her Stuttgart Open exit. After the win over the Sorribes Tormo, the Pole recalled her first win at the French Open in 2020. Winning at Roland Garros at 19, Swiatek had no idea whether people were thinking of her as a “one-time athlete” or someone who is consistent. 

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My consistency has put me in this position. It’s a good role because I’ve always wanted to inspire others. Plus, it's easier to find motivation when you feel like the kids are watching you. 
Iga Swiatek said at the press conference 

However, the 22-year-old admitted that as people look up to her, she sometimes finds it burdensome, as it makes her feel she is playing for them and not for herself. Though she is finding it difficult to balance, she is trying hard not to let it affect her in any way.

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At the same time, it's also a bit of a burden on your shoulders, it's not easy to balance, because everyone treats you like you have to play for them. I'm still learning how to deal with this without it affecting my mindset or attitude.
Iga Swiatek added

Swiatek did not look back after that 2020 French Open title, as she went on to win three more Grand Slam singles titles – the 2022 and 2023 French Open and the 2022 US Open.  

Iga Swiatek reached back-to-back Madrid Open semifinals

The only difficulty at the Madrid Open Iga Swiatek dealt with was in the quarterfinals. A formidable Swiatek eased past Wang Xiyu, Sorana Cirstea, and Sara Sorribes Tormo in straight sets in the first three rounds.

Iga Swiatek
Iga Swiatek (Image via Imago)

However, in the quarterfinals, she faced a threat from Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia, who won the first set to put pressure on Swiatek. The Pole did not let the Brazilian capitalize on the win and quickly secured the next two sets 6-0, 6-2. 

The four-time Grand Slam champion then faced America’s Madison Keys in the semifinals. She reached back-to-back semifinals in Madrid because last year, she made it to the final but failed to lift the title, as she lost to Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka in three sets. 

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