Iga Swiatek maybe had a rough year at times and didn’t get the results she targeted but is trying to be appreciative of everything that happened to her this season – good or bad – and try to look forward to the next challenges.
After starting her Grand Slam season with a shock third-round exit at the Australian Open, the Pole bounced back by completing a three-peat at the French Open. But then, another early third-round loss came at Wimbledon, before the five-time Major winner also suffered a surprise US Open quarterfinal defeat to Jessica Pegula.
At the Paris Olympics – where she was by far the No. 1 favorite to win – Swiatek was absolutely crushed after stunningly losing to Zheng Qinwen in the semifinal. While the 23-year-old managed to win the bronze medal, it wasn’t a secret that she came for the main prize.
In late 2024, she also lost the world No. 1 spot to Aryna Sabalenka and failed to defend her WTA Finals title.
When it comes to her achievements, Swiatek won a total of five titles this year, with her biggest success coming during the clay season, when she made it all the way in Madrid Rome and the French Open. Also, she had triumphant runs in Doha and Indian Wells early in the season.
This year, the Polish star topped more than 100 weeks at the world No. 1 spot as she is already seven on the all-time list with a total of 125 weeks spent at the top spot. Also, she led Poland to their first Billie Jean King Cup semifinal.
On paper, it was still a great season. But with Aryna Sabalenka’s recent rise and form, the feeling is that the Belarusian has replaced Swiatek as the best player in the world.
Iga Swiatek© Iga Swiatek/Instagram – Fair Use
“Thanks for this season. First and foremost I’m thanking myself and my team because it was another extraordinary year. It was the season of not being a superhero and accepting it, facing new challenges, grinding, hard work, appreciating milestones and unlocking new achievements,” the five-time Grand Slam champion reflected in an Instagram post.
“But what’s fundamental, I finish this year with huge satisfaction and pride of my grit, strength and everything that I’ve done and achieved which says more than any words. It’s time to rest and reset. My body and mind need that. Thank you to every kind and supportive human being who is by my side in this journey. See you soon.”
Swiatek gave it all for Poland in Malaga
At this past Billie Jean King Cup Finals, the world No. 2 left it all to help her nation make a strong result.
After the Czech Republic won the opening match of their quarterfinal tie, Swiatek survived a thriller against Linda Noskova 7-6 (4) 4-6 7-5 to force a deciding match. In that deciding doubles match, she returned to the court as she and Katarzyna Kawa upset doubles world No. 1 Katerina Siniakova and Marie Bouzkova 6-2 6-4 to propel Poland into their first semifinal in the competition.
“It’s amazing that we have made history for Poland – a dream come true. I missed playing this event a couple of times, but now I have the chance to play I want to make an impact and do something well. I am so happy that I finally got the opportunity and this tournament is amazing,” the former world No. 1 said after making Polish tennis history.
Iga Swiatek© Billie Jean King Cup/Instagram – Fair Use
After leading her nation to a hard-fought win over the Czechs, Swiatek found herself in a tough task again after Italy opened an early lead in their semifinal matchup.
While the Polish tennis star managed to complete a 3-6 6-4 6-4 victory over Jasmine Paolini for another deciding match, Poland fell short after she and Kawa picked up a heartbreaking 5-7 5-7 loss.
Afterward, the 23-year-old said she felt tired like never before after spending nearly 11 hours on the court across five matches played in Malaga.
“I don’t think I’ll feel any strength tomorrow when I wake up; I feel like my whole body is sore. I definitely played some nice matches this week, although today I just tried to survive physically, but I’m happy that I kept my concentration in the two matches today even though in the previous round my game wasn’t as perfect. They were very close matches; it was nice to win the singles in crucial moments, that’s when I took advantage of my chances. Now I will start 2025 with new goals, I’m looking forward to it, as I didn’t have much time to train with Wim (Fissette), so it will be good to try out new things,” Swiatek said.
The five-time Grand Slam champion will start her 2025 season at the United Cup.