Iga Świątek has endured a tough year on tour, and it showed after her first round win at Wimbledon earlier today.
Facing Taylor Townsend, the former world number one was handed arguably one of the toughest tasks as a seeded player, and had to summon all of her strength to overcome the American.
After all, not only did she come from a set down to level the match, but the 30-year-old, who is predominantly a doubles specialist, also recovered a break in that crucial deciding set as well. It was neck and neck until the very end.
Such a tight and hard-fought encounter to kickstart her title defence, partnered with what has been a tough run of form for Iga Swiatek, clearly took its toll on her.
She wept into her towel immediately afterwards, and had to wipe away tears as she spoke on court.
Iga Swiatek’s emotional on-court interview after Wimbledon win
As the defending champion, the threat of a first-round exit must be petrifying. It is the ultimate failure, and Swiatek will have been so relieved to avoid it.
Asked to sum up her emotions, she gave a little chuckle as she admitted: “I am not sure if I am able to talk about that.”
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However, she found the words: “It was a tough couple of weeks, not a season where everything has gone how I wanted. I don’t think I have won any three set matches, so I am happy I could do it here, because it means a lot opening the court as defending champion. I am just happy to be here.”
Then, speaking about that gruelling first game of the third set, where she had to desperately defend to avoid going down an early break, Swiatek admitted: “Sometimes just serving the ball in might be a tough ask, so this game was about that and about believing I could do it.
“It was long and had many break points. In the end I was happy I kept my composure. I was listening to the box and they were supporting me a lot. I knew I needed to be solid and not look for winners or serves that would give me a point. I needed to play more safe and give me a chance of having a rally. I am happy this game went well because I think it was crucial.”
She finished by speaking about expectations.
Heading to Wimbledon as the defending champion provides a certain level of pressure, but alternatively, her faltering form means few are therefore expecting Swiatek to actually win the title again.
For that reason, she is in a unique position, and discussed the difficulties of this pressure: “I am happy I could get through a match like that because I got quite tense in the second set and then I was able to come back to my game.
“These are the moments you feel like you did the job because it’s not hard when you feel confident and everything goes in. When there are ups and downs, this is the time to check how much you can do to change things around.
“For sure we will see, but with my game I feel pretty well. It’s just a matter of consistency.”
Coco Gauff recently admitted that Swiatek winning Wimbledon has inspired her to believe it possible. This speaks volumes for just how unexpected her win last year was, and therefore why there is not nearly as much pressure on her as she likely feels there is.
Iga Świątek’s Wimbledon run gets no easier
As referenced earlier, facing Townsend in the very first round represented a hugely difficult opening match.
However, things get no easier for Swiatek, who will now have to contend with the former world number one and Wimbledon finalist, Karolina Pliskova, who has been in fine form in recent months.
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At 34 years of age, the Czech star is enjoying a splendid career renaissance, and will be hoping to continue her run at the All England Club after beating her countrywoman Tereza Valentová today.
And then, if Swiatek does survive that, there’s every chance she might even face Serena Williams.
