Polish tennis sensation Iga Swiatek, fresh off her stunning victory at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open, where she clinched her third consecutive title in Doha, took a playful jab at her lack of NBA knowledge during a post-match interview. Despite admitting she doesn’t follow basketball, Swiatek humorously entertained the idea of forming an All-Star basketball team comprising both WTA and ATP players.
In a light-hearted moment, Swiatek, who hails from Europe, confessed her ignorance of the best NBA players but went on to assemble her dream All-Star team. Alongside herself, she included Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal, two-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, 2024 Australian Open victor Jannik Sinner, ATP’s No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, Tunisia’s rising star Ons Jabeur, and WTA’s No. 4 Elena Rybakina. Despite her initial jest, Swiatek’s selections showcased her admiration for fellow tennis stars across both the men’s and women’s circuits.
Additionally, Swiatek shed light on her approach to social media during tournaments, emphasizing her focus on separating herself from distractions. Despite acknowledging the potential for social media to divert attention, especially amid success, she affirmed her commitment to maintaining a balance between the demands of the sport and its commercial aspects. Reflecting on her own journey, Swiatek shared insights into the pitfalls of losing focus post-triumph, recounting her team’s efforts to realign her priorities after her breakthrough win at Roland Garros in 2020.
Swiatek’s candid remarks underscored the delicate balance athletes must strike between the demands of their sport and the allure of external distractions, offering fans a glimpse into her approach to navigating the challenges of professional tennis both on and off the court.