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Iga Swiatek continued to drum up support for Ukraine after winning the 2023 French Open, saying it was important for the tennis community to band together and do everything possible to curb Russian aggression.
The world number one claimed her fourth Grand Slam title on Saturday, defeating Karolina Mochova 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 in a stunning final on Court Philippe Chatrier.
In her post-match press conference, Swiatek, who has declared solidarity with the citizens of Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion last year, reiterated her earlier sentiments on the issue.
The world number one confirmed that she respects the Ukrainian athletes who continue to compete at the highest level despite the ongoing war in their country. She added that she did not know if she could be as strong as them had she been forced into a similar situation.
“The only thing I can kind of say is just repeat myself and my views on how we as a tennis community should, I don’t know, be together in doing every effort to stop Russian aggression,” Iga said Swiatek.
“My support is for all Ukrainians, because I know their situation is not easy. As if I would be in their place, I don’t know if I would be able to compete honestly. So I really respect them, and I want to kind of keep my focus on doing what will be right for them. Yeah That’s all I can honestly say.”
Iga Swiatek continues to wear the Ukrainian ribbon on her hat to show her support for the country, and is one of the few players on the tour to do so.
“I don’t use a lot of social media and I don’t read much” – Iga Swiatek
Iga Swiatek was also asked about her thoughts on the controversy surrounding Aryna Sabalenka at the 2023 French Open. The Belarusian opted for two press conferences after being cornered by a Ukrainian journalist over her support for her country’s president, Alexander Lukashenko.
The four-time Grand Slam champion admitted that she was not aware of the intricate details of the matter, as she does not use social media much during tournaments to focus on herself.
“I kind of stay in my bubbles. Honestly, the only thing I do is just, you know, honestly just prepare for your questions, and I kind of want to show good values. So I kind of like preparing to do that before my press conference,” Iga Swiatek said.
“But I don’t use a lot of social media and I don’t read much. So honestly, if I didn’t like summaries from my PR team, sometimes I wouldn’t know about this stuff.
“I know it might be weird, because I have to be aware of what’s going on, but it’s the best way for me to really focus and do my job right,” she added.
However, Pole said that she will do her best to keep up with the situation now that the competition is over and that she will have more free time on her hands.
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