As the tennis season comes to a close, Polish tennis star Iga Świątek has revealed a shocking secret that sheds new light on her performances earlier this year. In a candid interview in the documentary series „Cztery pory Igi” produced by Canal+, Świątek opens up about her struggles with COVID-19, which affected her game at the Dubai tournament in February.
A Setback in Dubai
At the Dubai tournament, Świątek was the favorite to win after her impressive performance in Doha, where she secured a title. However, she surprisingly lost to Anna Kalinskaya in the semifinals, citing unusual physical symptoms that affected her game. „I thought it was just a common cold, but later I felt strange. It was as if I had no control over my body. My legs wouldn’t listen to me, and I couldn’t control my movements,” Świątek revealed.
The COVID-19 Diagnosis
It wasn’t until after the tournament that Świątek discovered she had contracted COVID-19. „I’ve been going to Dubai for years and always get sick. No matter what I do, I get ill. It’s silly to talk about it, people might think I’m making excuses, but I took a test, and it came back positive,” she admitted.
Overcoming Adversity
Świątek’s confession sheds light on the challenges she faced during the tournament, which affected not only her physical performance but also her mental state. Her coach, Maciej Ryszczuk, corroborated her story, stating that Świątek had complained of difficulty breathing and concentrating during the match.
New Challenges Ahead
With the revelation behind her, Świątek is now focused on upcoming tournaments, including the United Cup in December and the Australian Open in January. Her goal is to reclaim her spot at the top of the WTA rankings, which she lost due to her absence from Asian tournaments.
According to the WTA, Świątek’s current ranking stands at 3rd, with a total of 5 tournament wins this season, including one Grand Slam title. Her determination and resilience in the face of adversity have earned her respect and admiration from fans and fellow players alike.
As the tennis world looks ahead to the new season, Świątek’s candid admission serves as a reminder that even the world’s top athletes face unexpected challenges. Her courage in sharing her experience will undoubtedly inspire others to speak out about their own struggles, promoting a culture of openness and understanding in the sports community.
Statistics:
* Iga Świątek’s current WTA ranking: 3rd
* Total tournament wins this season: 5
* Grand Slam titles: 1
* United Cup 2023 result: Finalist (lost to Germany)
* Australian Open 2023: TBD
Sources:
* WTA (Women’s Tennis Association)
* Canal+ (documentary series „Cztery pory Igi”)
* ESPN Tennis
* Tennis.com