Iga Swiatek, the 23-year-old Polish tennis star, has experienced a series of challenges in recent times, impacting both her on-court performance and public perception. At the 2025 Indian Wells tournament, Swiatek, the defending champion, was defeated in the semifinals by 17-year-old Russian prodigy Mirra Andreeva, with a scoreline of 7-6(1), 1-6, 6-3. This loss prevented Swiatek from securing her third title at the event.
The match drew significant attention, not only for the upset but also due to an incident where Swiatek, frustrated during the third set, hit a ball that narrowly missed a ball kid. This action led to boos from the crowd and widespread criticism on social media, with many labeling her behavior as “poor sportsmanship.”
Financially, Swiatek has been among the top earners in women’s tennis. In 2024, she amassed approximately $8.8 million in salary and winnings, complemented by $15 million from endorsements, bringing her total earnings to $23.8 million for the year. Her endorsement portfolio includes partnerships with brands such as On, Asics, PZU, Red Bull, Xiaomi, and Visa.
Despite these earnings, Swiatek has faced setbacks. In late 2024, she accepted a one-month suspension after testing positive for the prohibited substance trimetazidine (TMZ). Additionally, her recent performances have seen a decline, with the loss to Andreeva marking her fifth consecutive semifinal defeat since her French Open victory in June 2024.
As of March 2025, Swiatek is preparing to compete in the Miami Open, where she is one of the top seeds. The tournament features a competitive lineup, including players like Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Mirra Andreeva. Swiatek aims to regain her form and reestablish her dominance in the women’s tennis circuit.
