Iga Świątek in TVN24: I wish more tennis players could find balance between career and life

Świątek defeated Tunisia's Ons Jabeur in Saturday's U.S. Open final and asserted her place at the top of the WTA ranking. This was her third Grand Slam title, but the first one won on the hard court in New York. The other two she had won on clay in the Parisian Roland Garros.

"First moments after the last ball are filled with emotions. Then the second part of work begins. When I won Roland Garros for the first time, it was a bit overwhelming. This time I knew what to expect and I could celebrate it," Świątek told TVN24 on Monday.

Right after winning the last point of the match, the 21-year-old dropped onto the court and burst in tears.

"I would say that 50% of them were tears of joy and the other 50% of relief that it ended in two sets, as I don't know what would have happened in the third set. The stress was heavy. I felt relieved as I wasn't sure I would be able to play such good tennis," she said.

Asked about the stress she had felt on the day of the final game, Iga rated it six on a 1-10 scale, and nine - on the day before. "I'm starting to realise what I've achieved. I'm happy that it doesn't come with this uncertainty about what's next. After my first Grand Slam win I couldn't fully celebrated it, but now I've learned how do it," she explained.

And did it cost her a lot to get to very top of women's tennis?

"It depends on the perspective you take. In fact I've been climbing inch by inch each year. Sometimes I didn't believe it was possible, but it all happened so very fast. When Ashleigh Barty ended her career, I felt sometimes you just need a bit of luck. My situation was unusual as I was number two for only three days when I heard I was going to be number one," the 21-year-old said.

The ongoing season is very special for the Polish tennis prodigy, it's definitely her best so far. Apart from two Grand Slam tournaments she also won five WTA titles. What in her opinion has changed since last year?

"I feel more confident. And not only after this win in New York. I've been working on it for some time now. Successes early in the year helped me to believe I can be consistent, play games and build up the pressure. I didn't feel that last year. I also believe that the sky is the limit," Świątek said. "Everything is possible if we concentrate on the right things," she added.

"This year I have more tools to prepare myself mentally. It's certainly because I've been working with Daria Abramowicz for quite some time now. On the other hand, I'm simply growing up, and as a person I have more resources than before. This is more difficult than when it comes to physicality, as my dad passed on good genes. I like to work hard," Iga said when asked what she finds more difficult to master - mind or body.

"What I would very much like to bring to tennis is that more players working on their mental side. I wish more people could find balance between what we do at the court and outside. I would like to serve as an example in that regard and properly carry out my own process. I wouldn't be able do it without my team and people wiser than me, who know when to say 'enough'" - Świątek said.

In recent months Iga has been playing with a ribbon in the colours of Ukraine. The recent U.S. final game was no exception. "I certainly feel I can use my platform and make a difference. I know I don't have to be the face of everything. I try not to comment on all issues, but in this case I realised I want to be involved. I was raised in circumstances in which war seemed impossible, especially so close to me," Iga Świątek told TVN24.

Asked about he next big dream, she replied with that typical radiant smile of hers she "wants to rest". "Each time after such big success I think to myself I will be able to play the next tournament without pressure. I hope I'm gonna be less serious and have energy in the coming years," she added seriously this time.