“I have more time to recharge my batteries” – Swiatek is learning how to disconnect from tennis

In her third-round post-match press conference at the US Open, Iga Swiatek spoke about the importance of her rest days on the WTA circuit

Iga Swiatek speaks in her post-match press conference at the 2023 US Open © Zuma / Panoramic

Jamie Malachy

September 2, 2023

Jérémy Baudu

Eating tennis, sleeping tennis, living tennis, this philosophy is crucial to becoming a champion.

For Iga Swiatek, world No 1 and defending US Open champion, being focused on the little yellow ball during a tournament has been the most important part of her career since the beginning.

But the Pole is increasingly learning to disconnect from tennis in order to help maintain the performances she has become accustomed to throughout the season.

In a press conference in New York after her third-round victory against Kaja Juvan, the world No 1 explained that she now ensure to rest more between tournaments than when she was younger.

“Well, I’m not giving myself days off. It’s usually these two guys that are in the box deciding about that (smiling).

But, yeah, I feel like I have more time now to reset after tournament. They are giving me usually like one more day than I had when I was younger, you know. And also sometimes after Grand Slams I get, like, I don’t know, sometimes even six days off, which earlier happened, like, maybe once when I started on WTA Tour.

“It really helped me to just actually have more energy till the end of the season. It’s pretty connected, yeah.”

SWIATEK WANTS TO FOLLOW NADAL’S EXAMPLE

More rest after tournaments is a good start, but Iga Swiatek also hopes to learn to let go during competitions. The Pole even took the example of her idol, Rafael Nadal, to get more details on this subject.

“Every year I make a lot of progress and, because I make that progress, I can also, you know, invite friends to other tournaments or do fun things during the tournament. I remember last year, at the Champions League final in Paris, I was shocked because Rafa went, and I know the final ended very late. I thought, ‘Oh, I wish I could do that too.’ But it’s a matter of years of experience and learning to have energy and focus on your game.”

“But I’m improving. I’ve also talked to other athletes who have already finished their careers and have a lot of experience, and they’ve also told me not to rush. I should really take it step by step. So, yes, I’m focusing on that.”