The world No. 1 has been in high demand as she prepares to embark on her BNP Paribas Open title defense.
World No. 1 Iga Swiatek has been in high demand throughout the first week in Indian Wells, as she prepares to embark on her BNP Paribas Open title defense.
The three-time Grand Slam winner is facing down one of the toughest stretches of the season during the Sunshine Double, as she was also the winner at last year’s Miami Open. The Doha champion and Dubai finalist has 2,000 points to defend throughout four weeks in March—and the Pole has been up for the challenge, if her practice and training posts on social media are anything to go by.
“Peaceful mornings, a lot of work done every single day, beautiful landscape… So, so good to be back in tennis paradise!” she shared in a Tweet over the weekend.
But Swiatek is all about work-life balance, and the 21-year-old has also been seen in good spirits and enjoying the time with her tight-knit team:
Before the tournament kicked off, Swiatek and fellow 2022 winner Taylor Fritz were presented with their champion’s mural.
The much-loved Indian Wells tradition has commemorated each year’s victories in a custom tile artwork by Mark Sullivan since 2013.
Iga Swiatek in living color at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
© 2023 Robert Prange
She also received her 2022 WTA Player of the Year award from WTA CEO Steve Simon.
© 2023 Robert Prange
Swiatek also showed off her soccer skills at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden lawn, the go-to spot for players to warm up or just lounge around—and for fans to get an up-close look at their faves in a relaxed environment.
Her footwork caught the eye of fans and photographers, and even earned the approval of FC Barcelona player Robert Lewandowsky, Poland’s national team hero:
Earlier in the week, Swiatek gave one tennis-loving couple a wedding anecdote for the ages after she paused her Stadium 1 practice session to watch their engagement.
The world No. 1 was on court with Sofia Kenin when a small commotion broke out in the stands, as one fan got down on a knee and popped the question—and his partner said yes.
Swiatek grabbed a commemorative photo with the delighted couple, and joked, “Can I come to the wedding?”
Swiatek and countryman Hurkacz teamed up for mixed doubles at the Eisenhower Cup.
© Getty Images
There was lots of love to go around at the Eisenhower Cup, which saw Swiatek join a host of top names in an eight-team mixed doubles showcase before the 1000-level tournament got underway.
Swiatek teamed up with countryman Hubert Hurkacz, and the pair made it all the way to the final in the Tiebreak Tens event before falling to Aryna Sabalenka and Taylor Fritz.
