Iga Swiatek reveals her candid side on practice court: 'I'll swear more'

Saturday, 27 September 2025 at 20:15

byErik Virostko

Tennis fans today have the option to watch their favorites not only compete, but also practice, which gives them a completely different perspective.

Tennis has experienced significant growth as a sport in recent decades, and the way fans can engage with the sport has also evolved over the years. Today, it's normal for tennis players to come to a packed court for their practice session.

That phenomenon is often observed at Grand Slam events, as well as when, for example, Carlos Alcaraz plays in Rio de Janeiro, or when some other fan favorite makes their way to an event with a huge interest in the sport.

China is one of the countries where fans absolutely love witnessing their favorite players play, regardless of whether it's in competition or on the practice court. Iga Swiatek is one of the players who experienced that, and she was asked about the reception in China after her second-round win at the WTA 1000 event in Beijing.

The Polish player was asked about the Chinese fans, who are some of the nicest fans on the Tour. They often create presents for the players, which Swiatek also received. She had a positive experience with the fans at the China Open.

"Yeah, I got like a book with drawings. It was like a comic book. It was beautiful. People are really talented. I feel like the Asian fans are making so much effort to give us something that actually means something to us and to them. I think it's beautiful. I really appreciate that."

"I was shocked two years ago when I came here and I got gifts like that because I never experienced that before. Now it's even more, I would say. People are really thankful and grateful for us coming and playing, sometimes inspiring them. Yeah, it's something for sure that will motivate us, as well. It's great."

At the same time, Swiatek admitted that it would also be nice to have some privacy on the practice court. She revealed that she is a bit less composed on the practice court than she is during her matches, which is why fans can hear her swear more when she practices.

"Yeah, I mean, I got used to people watching me on practice. Sometimes it would be good to have some privacy, for example, when the times are not that easy. But overall it's, like, part of the job and you have to deal with that. I think the tournaments want us to be more and more visible on the court. I get it."

"Sometimes I don't get it off the court. If people want to come watch my practices, I'm totally fine with that. It may happen that sometimes I'll swear more, not be as composed as on the match (smiling)."

Swiatek is a perfectionist, which is why it's understandable that she can get angry even during her practice sessions. She handles her first match in China perfectly, and in her next match, she will play against Camila Osorio.