Iga Swiatek says what she wishes she could do every week instead of playing Grand Slams after reaching Bad Homburg semis

However, it will be interesting to see how Iga Swiatek’s game can perform on this surface against one of the top-ranked players, with the Italian having reached the final of
Wimbledon last year too.

Speaking after her straight-sets victory over Ekaterina Alexandrova, the five-time Grand Slam champion made a shock admission about what she wishes she could do on tour if she had things her own way.

Iga Swiatek reacts to reaching second career grass-court semi-final

Speaking on-court right after her impressive win, the former world number one began by noting: ‘Honestly, I think today, it was all about adjusting the conditions because it was super windy, you know, for most of the match, so I think we both tried to do what we can and kind of on one hand, be intense, but on the other hand, play it safe, you know, because the wind could really blow the ball away. 

‘But yeah, for sure, I know she’s a tough opponent and I already lost to her, you know, before, so I knew that she can play amazing tennis and for sure her flat shots, you know, fit really well on the grass, so I’m happy that I’m through.’

Then asked about the rain delay, she continued: ‘Honestly, I never had an issue with that. I sure knew that the body will be a little bit sore, because, you know, sometimes after the practice or after the match, the adrenaline goes down a little bit, and then, you know, getting it up again, it’s tricky. But I always did that well, so I had believed that, you know, if we’re going to follow the right routine, it’s going to be fine.

‘For sure, like playing Billie Jean King Cup last year, really helped me because I remember I had to play three times in a row [at] singles, and I had a 30-minute break and had to play doubles immediately, so I felt kind of the same and I knew I can do it.

‘But yeah, I did some crosswords. So it’s another nerdy thing, but I just wanted to keep myself busy, you know, and not go on social media or stuff like that.’

Before she left, the crowd sought to offer her one last cheer, spurring Swiatek to state: ‘Yeah. It’s incredible. Yeah, thank you so much guys for the support. It’s really great.

‘You know, I feel great. I don’t know, I just love these small tournaments. Because it feels like we’re like one big family just enjoying tennis, you know, and I would play tournaments like that every week if I could, you know, without all this unnecessary fuss and everything.

‘So thank you guys for the support and for being part of this amazing atmosphere and making the atmosphere, because it means a lot.’

Her wishing she could avoid the hustle and bustle of Grand Slam events is nothing new, but for her to say this whilst at an event played on this surface speaks volumes.

Swiatek outlined what she would change about grass-court tournaments earlier this week too, ironically after wishing away the bigger events here.

Iga Swiatek’s recent performances at Wimbledon

Historically, Wimbledon and grass in general have not been favoured by Swiatek, hence why this is just her second grass-court semi-final.

At the All-England Club, she has actually never made it past the quarter-final stage, losing in the third round last year despite being the top seed.

Iga Swiatek’s last five Wimbledon performances

With a really aggressive topspin that thrives on clay, it instead pops the ball up for her opponents to lash back at her with a greater margin.

As such, Swiatek is often punished by much less accomplished players on this surface.

It’s ironic that now, at 24 years old, she struggles so much at Wimbledon. Especially given she won the juniors event back in 2018.