Swiatek: "We know this is not the most peaceful Grand Slam, there is a lot of spectacle"
The Pole delivered on the court and then followed up in the press conference, where she analyzed the specifics of the US Open and talked about what it's like to live as a star.
Suzan Lamens showed this afternoon that you can't write a chronicle ahead of time, not even one involving Iga Swiatek. The Pole, who has been close to perfection for most of the summer, had to grit her teeth this Thursday to tame the Dutch player in three sets, although in the end, she got her way, as almost always. A mental and tennis exercise that put the World No. 2 to the test, a necessary challenge to arrive seasoned in the final rounds of the women's draw, where all predictions are waiting for her. Before crossing paths with Anna Kalinskaya in this US Open 2025 in a couple of days, we listened to Iga share her impressions with the press after another victorious day in Flushing Meadows.
Victory against Lamens
“Surely, it wasn't the easiest match, it got a bit complicated in the second set, but I'm happy to have been able to reset and start playing better in the third. I wouldn't say her level surprised me, I know I let her in after the first set, and that's where she took her chances, immediately knowing what to do with that. She deserved the games she won, raised the level by making fewer unforced errors, I acknowledge that she did a great job at that point in the match. I would have to ask her how she felt; I remember playing matches in the past as the non-favorite, sometimes that gives you extra motivation when you have nothing to lose. I guess it all depends on the player and how they react.”
Her footwork
“This is crucial for me, everything starts with footwork. If you're not in the right position before your opponent's shot, it's impossible to play just with your hands, so it's very important to anticipate. I don't know who was the first person to tell me this, I suppose it's just part of the game, but it's very important overall.”
Kalinskaya in the third round
“It will surely be a tough match, she loves fast surfaces. I haven't seen her play this week yet, obviously, I know she's been going through a lot, so I'll have to prepare tactically very well, as I always do before each match. I have to be ready because she's a big hitter, she likes to be proactive and aggressive from the first ball, dictate with her shots.”
The moment of shaking hands at the net
“Honestly, I've never thought about this, I just got used to living that moment since I was a child, we always did it. I never thought if there could be a tennis match without that handshake at the net at the end of the battle, I don't know. In my case, I think I never had a problem with that, although surely when facing someone who is very tough, I probably wouldn't want to shake hands at the end, but I always did. I think it's good to congratulate the opponent when you lose or say something if you win, it also depends on the social skills of each player.”
The 'things' of the US Open
“We know it's not the most peaceful Grand Slam, perhaps not so focused on the players, as there are many spotlights on the practices and on the show. We have to adapt to that and accept it, nothing more. It's always a bit harder here because it forces you to get into that bubble, but that's how things are in New York. That's why the Slams are so different from each other; some people like it, and others don't.”
Living as a star
“I try to enjoy it, although it depends on the situation. I think I really like photo shoots, for example, when I meet with my sponsors and see the effects with my face, the place, all that. That's great, I always get very positive emotions from it. I also like when people support me, cheer me on; that won't happen if your name isn't big or you haven't shown that you can play well, that your style is liked. Obviously, there are also those moments where you want to hide, be back in your bubble, just not have so many people watching you, but it's very hard to find that. I guess there are ups and downs, as in all situations, that's all.”
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Swiatek: “Sabemos que este no es el Grand Slam más tranquilo, hay mucho espectáculo”