Iga Swiatek’s 2025 season has been nothing short of a mental and physical rollercoaster. From a rocky start to reclaiming dominance with a Wimbledon triumph, the Polish tennis star’s campaign has reflected both exhaustion and resilience. Yet, as the WTA Finals in Riyadh approach, Swiatek is making headlines not just for her form, but for her candid remarks on the demanding nature of the WTA Tour.
Swiatek reflects on an exhausting season
Swiatek, currently ranked World No. 2, arrived at the season-ending tournament with an impressive 61-15 record and three singles titles. Despite her strong finish, she didn’t hold back in acknowledging how taxing the year has been.
“If 2024 was the most tumultuous season in Swiatek’s career, then 2025 was the exhausting campaign for the Polish superstar,” a reflection echoed throughout the tennis community.
After dealing with the aftermath of a suspension and an inconsistent clay-court season, Iga Swiatek found her rhythm on grass, lifting her first Wimbledon trophy — a turning point that reignited her confidence.
A reality check amid success
During her pre-tournament press conference, the 24-year-old was asked if fans sometimes forget how young she is, considering her remarkable consistency and success. Swiatek responded with a lighthearted yet revealing answer:
“Even I forget (smiling). Sometimes, I feel like I’m 40 already.” She continued, “No, for sure, the life on tour is intense. All the seasons are super intense. It’s easy to forget how young I am, as well. I don’t know, I feel like I’ve just been on tour for ten years. Actually, it’s been six. It’s been just really busy, also efficient. This is something that I’m happy about.”
Her words underline the intense grind top athletes face on tour — endless travel, constant competition, and minimal recovery time.
Iga Swiatek’s strong message to the WTA
Looking ahead, Swiatek revealed her frustration with the calendar and her determination to take more control over her schedule in 2026. The world No. 2 has long been vocal about the need for a more balanced tour structure.
“I won’t be looking next year at which tournaments are mandatory and which ones I could get fined for. I’ll arrange my schedule the way I think it should be,” Iga Swiatek said firmly. “We’ll see if I’ll be mentally okay with skipping tournaments while the other girls are playing.”
Her statement has reignited conversations about player workload and the mental strain of the sport’s relentless schedule.