Following a flawless victory on Friday that secured Poland’s first-ever tennis medal at any Summer Games, Iga Swiatek wiped her eyes with a white towel while seated in her sideline chair at the 2024 Rio Olympics.

In 59 minutes on Friday, she defeated Slovakia’s Anna Karolina Schmiedlova 6-2, 6-1, but these weren’t just happy tears. However, on Friday, fate gave her another chance to win an Olympic medal, and this time, Swiatek took advantage of it. Swiatek’s mind went to her father, the guy who had supported her the entire time, as she revelled in her spectacular win.

In front of her father, Swiatek discussed what it meant to win an Olympic medal. Se talked about it and said: “It’s amazing. Honestly, me and my sister were raised in the belief that the Olympics are the most important tournament. That’s why it wasn’t the easiest tournament. This makes it even better. I’m proud of myself; I could do it. I’m happy he was here to see it. This is for sure, a great place for me to be and play. I’m happy that besides Roland Garros titles, I could add another success to it.”

Swiatek has frequently talked about her motivation from her father and her desire to compete in the Olympics. She added: “If I were to dedicate it to anyone, it would be my dad, without a doubt. Honestly, I could dedicate everything to him.”

Swiatek in Paris, ranking, and results in 2024

Now ranked no.1, Swiatek achieved a composed 52-6 match record in 2024. The Pole is now playing in Paris where she defeated the world no.143 Irina-Camelia Begu 6-2 7-5, the world no.59 Diane Parry 6-1 6-1, the world no.52 Xiyu Wang 6-3 6-4, the world no.9 Danielle Rose Collins 6-1 2-6 4-1 ret. and the world no.67 Anna Schmiedlova 6-2 6-1.

Swiatek is scheduled to compete next in Toronto (National Bank Open). She will start to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 5th of August.