In the world of professional tennis, Iga Swiatek’sname is shining brightly. Vying for her fourth Grand Slam in the French Open, the 23-year-old player has been embracing the top spot in tennis for 106 weeks now. However, behind her success lies a family that has played a remarkable role in guiding her to the top. Although her mother comes from the medical line, Swiatek’s father was a renowned rower. Combining both of these genes, Swiatek’s older sister, Agata’s journey has also been nothing short of remarkable.
Iga Swiatek’s father, Tomasz, is no stranger to the athletic world. While tennis didn’t capture his interest, rowing became his true passion, providing him with the chance to proudly represent Poland at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. As a significant player in the men’s quadruple sculls, he completed the event after acquiring seventh place. Not only that but a year prior to that, 1964-born Tomasz also earned a gold medal at the Universiade event while remaining a member of a sports club in Warsaw.
Iga Swiatek’s father, who wanted his two daughters to immerse themselves in sports, was over the moon when Agata, his older daughter, showed a keen interest in tennis. The 25-year-old former player also enjoyed her time on-court and had a nine-month career in the ITF Junior Circuit back in 2013. But as injuries troubled her, a 15-year-old Agata had to quit her dream of becoming a tennis player. While Iga, who initially started playing with her sister, continued her journey in tennis, Agata found her calling in academics, a field in which her mother, Dorota Swiatek, specializes.
