Tennis players often have unique rituals to get into the zone before stepping onto the court. From Serena Williams to Nick Kyrgios, many athletes are seen walking into arenas with headphones on, immersing themselves in music to find their rhythm. Iga Swiatek, the Polish tennis sensation, is no exception. As the first player to arrive in Tennis Paradise for the Indian Wells Masters, Swiatek took a moment to connect with fans by answering their burning questions. Among the most unusual queries? Her favorite Taylor Swift album, which solidified her status as a true “Swiftie.”
Swiatek’s Love for Taylor Swift
Swiatek is one of many WTA stars who are ardent fans of Taylor Swift. The World No. 2 was moved to tears of joy when she finally attended Swift’s Eras Tour in Liverpool last year. Overwhelmed by the experience, she shared a tear-stained selfie on X (formerly Twitter), holding a note from Swift, and wrote, “I’m dead. Yes, I cried many times during the show. Yes, it was incredible. You are amazing @taylorswift13.”
When asked which Taylor Swift album turned her into a fan, Swiatek didn’t hesitate: “Speak Now.” But why this album in particular?
“That was one of the first ones, and I don’t know, I just loved her lyrics and how she describes the world,” Swiatek explained. “I remember I didn’t speak English that well when I listened to it the first time, and I learned so much because of it.”
She added, “Also, it was the first album that I listened to where I felt like I’m watching a movie because of how she sings and how she describes the world. I love her.”
Released in 2010, Speak Now was Swift’s third studio album and a massive commercial success, topping charts in multiple countries. It also made Swift the first woman to have four albums simultaneously in the top 10 of the Billboard charts.
Relating to Swift’s Music
Swiatek also revealed that one of her favorite songs from Swift’s latest album, The Tortured Poets Department, resonates deeply with her. The track “I Can Do It with a Broken Heart” speaks to her experiences on and off the court.
“Well, tennis only broke my heart a couple of times, so I can relate sometimes,” Swiatek said. “Tennis can be heartbreaking, and then you have to go on court and play again.”
Unfortunately, Swiatek has faced her share of heartbreak this year. Her last title came in June 2024 when she won her fourth French Open. Since then, she has endured a one-month suspension from competitive tennis following a positive doping test. As she prepares to defend her title at Indian Wells, concerns about her form have surfaced, with an ex-pro weighing in on her recent struggles.
Ex-Pro Raises Concerns Over Swiatek’s Form
Lindsay Davenport, a former WTA star, recently shared her observations about Swiatek’s current state. Despite returning to the 2025 season with high hopes, Swiatek has yet to secure a title. Her Australian Open campaign ended in the semifinals with a loss to eventual champion Madison Keys, and her performance during the Middle East swing was lackluster.
“For whatever reason, she looks more stressed out on the court,” Davenport noted. “Whether that’s because the results haven’t been there or the change of coach, I don’t know, so I’m speculating. She just doesn’t look as calm or at ease on the court.”
However, Davenport remains optimistic about Swiatek’s chances at Indian Wells. “Sometimes it only takes one tournament, one match, one set, something that clicks in for a player and things start to turn around. She’s fortunate she’s coming into one of her favorite tournaments … for me, she’s the favorite going into Indian Wells,” she added.
A New Chapter with Coach Wim Fissette
Swiatek’s coaching change last year, when she parted ways with longtime coach Tomasz Wiktorowski and brought in Naomi Osaka’s former coach, Wim Fissette, has been a topic of discussion. While she hasn’t won a title under Fissette’s guidance yet, Swiatek has praised him for his support during her doping controversy.
As Swiatek gears up for Indian Wells, she will look to fine-tune her game and regain her winning form. With her love for Taylor Swift’s music serving as a source of inspiration, fans will be eager to see if she can turn her season around in Tennis Paradise.