Iga Swiatek opens up about her weaknesses & the criticism she gets for expressing emotions
Iga Swiatek recently talked about the importance of embracing one's weaknesses. The Polish tennis superstar claimed that people often forget she is 'only human,' and expect her to always win. Swiatek, however, believes that losing or having crises in your life or career is not a sign of weakness whatsoever.
The World No. 1 is currently preparing for the European clay-court swing after a rib injury forced her to miss the Miami Open. Swiatek was recently awarded the title of 'Woman of the Year' in Poland by Twoj Styl magazine for her incredible achievements on the WTA tour and her work off the court too.
Speaking in an interview with the magazine, Swiatek opened up about different aspects of her life and career.
"I allow myself to have weaknesses. I am only human and sometimes people forget that," Iga Swiatek said. "Is the fact that I have crises my weakness? I don't think so."
The 21-year-old further stated that her occasional tears after losing, which are as normal as screaming in joy after a victory, often elicit unnecessary criticism. Swiatek was referring to her emotional post-match speech after losing the 2022 Ostrava Open final to Barbora Krejcikova.
"When I scream for joy, it's normal for people, and when I cry after a defeat, it always raises controversial opinions. And both are just human behavior. It is part of my life and everyone's life," Swiatek expressed.
The Polish player will enter the French Open in May as the defending champion.
"I sleep the worst after big victories" - Iga Swiatek on managing emotions after wins
Iga Swiatek further revealed that she struggles to sleep after big victories due to tiredness combined with a rush of adrenaline. After her US Open victory in September last year, Swiatek suffered from severe body aches and could not sleep despite being exhausted after a hectic two-week campaign.
The US Open was her third Grand Slam singles title and second of the 2022 season
"I sleep the worst after big victories," Swiatek said. "When I won the US Open, after a long and difficult two weeks, my whole body ached. So much so that I cried and had a hard time falling asleep. It's a paradox because I'd be happy."
Swiatek is likely to make her comeback on the tour at next week's Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, where she is the defending champion. She is then expected to compete at the Madrid Open, before another title defense campaign at the Italian Open in Rome.