Polish tennis player Iga Swiatek spoke about the importance of winning in her career.
“My first Grand Slam title obviously changed everything for me overnight. There are still many places in the world where they definitely don’t recognize me. If a random passer-by looks at me, he will not say: “Oh, she is a tennis player.” But not in Poland. Indeed, there were situations when I was recognized even by my voice when I ordered food.
I am very grateful, but to be honest, sometimes it all seems strange and confusing. When I win and I am on the court, or when I look at myself on the court from the side, I am overwhelmed with emotions. But to be honest, as surreal as it sounds, I don’t care if my face is on billboards or anything.
But memory works in a very funny way – when I think about how I returned to Warsaw after the first victory at Roland Garros, I don’t remember all the craziness. And even the award ceremony itself and the way the paparazzi followed me. I remember how my dad was driving, how I looked at him and saw his big smile. He always believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. This makes him either a wonderful father or just crazy, ”Swiatek Sportskeeda quotes.