Iga Swiatek: I didn't want to give any points for free it's a Wimbledon final and I wanted to win'

"In July, the 24-year-old won her first Wimbledon title and sixth grand slam title in all, crushing a hapless Amanda Anisimova 6-0, 6-0 in the final. It was the undoubted highlight of an up-and-down year for the Pole, who struggled on her best surface of clay but who will end 2025 ranked No 2, her fourth year in a row finishing inside the world's top two."

"Like many before her, Swiatek is keen to experience the sport's most storied venue when fans and her fellow players are not around. I wonder how it feels, she says. I will be back for sure. I would love to. I have no idea how that works, though. I heard once Roger [Federer] wasn't let in when he didn't have a proper badge or something, so I would need to get ready."

"So strong on clay, with four French Open titles in the past six years, Swiatek had previously regarded Wimbledon with caution, wary of the surface, unsure if her skills would translate. But after an unusually tough time on the red stuff, she gained extra practice by playing in a warm-up event in Germany and found her game to record a stunning triumph."

Iga Swiatek will visit the All England Club when her schedule allows, taking up the honorary membership granted to Wimbledon singles champions. In July, she won her first Wimbledon title and sixth Grand Slam, defeating Amanda Anisimova 6-0, 6-0 in the final. The victory stood out during an otherwise up-and-down season marked by struggles on clay. Swiatek will finish 2025 ranked world No. 2, her fourth consecutive year inside the top two. Prior caution about grass led to extra practice at a warm-up event in Germany. Tactical adjustments before Wimbledon helped translate her game to grass and produced the surprising triumph.

Read at www.theguardian.com