Iga Swiatek has candidly admitted her desire to emulate Carlos Alcaraz, revealing a surprising reason rooted in his approach to finding joy on the tennis court, a perspective she hopes to adopt amid her own pressures. The world No. 3 shared this insight during a recent interview with TVA Sports, reflecting on her triumphant Wimbledon 2025 campaign, where she clinched her sixth Grand Slam title with a commanding 6-0, 6-0 final victory over Madison Keys on July 13. Speaking from her training base as she gears up for the National Bank Open in Toronto, starting July 29, 2025, Swiatek expressed admiration for the 22-year-old Spaniard’s ability to enjoy the game, stating, “I wish I was more like Carlos because I have got to say he is a big inspiration in terms of that.”
Swiatek pinpointed Alcaraz’s focus on fun as her inspiration, noting, “He always says that the most important thing for him on a tennis court is to enjoy it and have fun, and I sometimes forget about that.” This revelation comes as she navigates the weight of her status as a top player, where off-court responsibilities—sponsorships, media, and expectations—often overshadow the carefree spirit that fueled her early success. She elaborated, “With all the pressure around and things you need to do off the court, you need to remind yourself about this kid that started playing tennis instead of winning for somebody and having this baggage on your shoulders.” Alcaraz’s consistent smile, even after his Wimbledon final loss to Jannik Sinner on July 13, exemplifies this mindset, a contrast to Swiatek’s occasional intensity, as seen in her past on-court outbursts.
The Polish star’s admission reflects a personal challenge to reconnect with the joy that defined her rise, beginning with her 2020 French Open title at age 19. Despite a stellar 2025 season—43-9 with titles at Stuttgart, Madrid, Rome, and Wimbledon—Swiatek has faced criticism for her demeanor, prompting this introspection. Alcaraz, with his five Grand Slam titles and a 52-9 record, offers a model of balancing competitiveness with enjoyment, a trait Swiatek aims to integrate as she defends 1,000 points in Toronto and prepares for the US Open. Her comments also nod to their mutual respect, with Alcaraz having praised her as “the best player in the world” after their 2024 Indian Wells encounter.
Fans on X have responded warmly, with @IgaSwiatekFan noting, “Love that Iga wants to channel Carlos’ joy—perfect combo!” As the afternoon sun shines at 05:02 PM WAT on Sunday, July 27, 2025, in West Africa, Swiatek’s surprising reason for admiring Alcaraz adds depth to her narrative. This shift in mindset could enhance her performance, blending her technical mastery with a renewed sense of fun, setting the stage for a compelling North American campaign as she seeks to reclaim the No. 1 ranking.
