Polish tennis sensation Iga Świątek has come a long way on her tennis journey, with her sustained success on the WTA Tour underscoring both her dominance and consistency. However, the Pole’s rise to the summit was far from straightforward. Behind the former world No. 1’s achievements stood the unwavering moral and financial support of her father, Tomasz Świątek.
Recently, Świątek opened up about how he continued to back her tennis ambitions despite navigating significant financial challenges.
Iga Świątek Reveals How Her Father’s ‘Work, Heart, and Determination’ Shaped Her Tennis Journey
Świątek remains one of the most dominant forces on the WTA Tour. The Polish star, who finished a second consecutive season as world No. 2, compiled an impressive 62-17 win-loss record in 2025. Her campaign was also highlighted by a commanding Grand Slam triumph at SW19, where she quashed American star Amanda Anisimova with a double bagel. The 24-year-old also lifted titles at the Korea Open and the Cincinnati Open and capped off the season by qualifying for the WTA Finals for the fifth straight year, although her run ended in the round-robin stage.
At such a young age, the world No. 2 has amassed an impressive 25 tour-level titles, including six Grand Slam crowns. While those numbers emphatically underline her dominance on the WTA Tour, Świątek’s rise was not without its challenges. Like many of her peers, the Pole faced financial hurdles early in her career. However, she was able to overcome them, thanks largely to the steady guidance and support of her father, Tomasz Świątek.
“There comes a point in most tennis players’ careers when funding options run out. It’s a very expensive sport, and systemic support is limited, except for team tournaments, where Poland is actually represented,” Świątek said in an interview with Forbes.
Świątek recalled that her family faced serious financial strain during her teenage years. Although her father shielded her from the details, she sensed the pressure. His unwavering effort and belief ensured she could pursue tennis, shaping her career today.
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“When I was 14 or 15, we were already at a stage where we really needed that support. My dad tried to distance me from these problems, but as a child, I still knew what was happening. I suspected it, and it was a stressful time for the entire family, especially for him. My dad put a lot of work, heart, and determination into making sure my sister and I could play tennis, especially when he saw our potential and how I was developing. Thanks to him, I’m here today,” she added.
The six-time Grand Slam champion has since moved far beyond those early financial strains and is now firmly established as a multimillionaire. In 2025 alone, she earned around $10 million in prize money, with additional income from endorsements placing her third on Forbes’ annual list of the highest-paid female athletes.
