Iga Swiatek’s journey to becoming a tennis superstar began at home, guided by the determination and insight of her father, Tomasz Świątek. A former Olympic rower who competed for Poland in the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Tomasz played a pivotal role in shaping Iga’s early career. His disciplined mindset and athletic background proved invaluable as he encouraged both Iga and her older sister, Agata, to pursue sports.
Tomasz’s strategy was clear: he wanted his daughters to focus on individual sports to increase their chances of success. While Agata initially chose tennis but later pivoted to other interests, Iga fully embraced the sport. Her father’s persistence and belief in her potential provided a solid foundation during her formative years, even when Poland lacked significant resources or popularity for tennis.
“My dad had a huge role in my career,” Iga has said. “Without him, I wouldn’t be where I am now, both as a person and as a tennis player. His determination and persistence in my early years are things I admire.”
Tomasz’s guidance didn’t stop at tennis skills. He instilled values of resilience and focus, preparing Iga for the mental and physical demands of professional tennis. These early lessons, combined with her natural talent, helped her rise to become a four-time Grand Slam champion and a global tennis icon.
Swiatek now uses her platform to inspire young athletes and give back to the tennis community in Poland. Her story is a testament to the importance of family support in nurturing talent, proving that greatness often starts at home
