Iga Swiatek’s love for her family stood front and center today! The Pole just lifted her third title of the 2025 season at the Korea Open, beating Ekaterina Alexandrova in a gritty final. It was a tough battle between the top two seeds, and despite dropping the first set, Swiatek showed her resilience. She roared back to seal a 1-6, 7-6, 7-5 win. But unlike most finals, she didn’t have her full team or her dad, Tomasz Swiatek, in the stands. That didn’t stop her from cracking a witty joke and leaving a hopeful note for next time.

After outlasting the Russian, Swiatek couldn’t help but acknowledge the support around her. The match had been hard fought, and for her, gratitude mattered. Before signing off on her trophy speech, she made sure to say it all: “I also want to thank my sponsors and everyone who is supporting me.” But the 23-year-old didn’t end it there, as she took a playful dig at those closest to her!

She added, “My team, who’s part of the team who’s still in Poland and resting, and my family as well. I’m happy that I could win here because of the family history, my dad couldn’t win the Olympics, but at least I won this tournament. So, hopefully he’s gonna come next year to enjoy everything.”

For those unfamiliar, Iga Swiatek’s father is a former Polish Olympic rower. He competed in the men’s quadruple sculls at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, finishing seventh. Tomasz also won gold at the 1987 Universiade and represented the famed AZS Warsaw sports club. Beyond rowing, he was his daughter’s first coach, guiding her introduction to sport and setting the foundation for her tennis career. He stepped back from coaching in 2024, choosing instead to cheer her on as a proud parent from the sidelines.

By stepping back from coaching, Tomasz gave Swiatek the freedom to build her own support team and professional identity. This clear split let each person—coach, psychologist, and father—play their roles perfectly. Tomasz knew she needed expert guidance as her career took off, so he handed the reins to specialists with the right skills to lift her game globally.

Though he stepped down as coach in 2024, her father stayed close, cheering from the sidelines and fully embracing his role as “dad.” He believed clear lines between personal and pro-life kept both her performance and family peace strong. It was a tough choice, but it helped Swiatek grow independence and professionalism. Thanks to that, she flourished, grabbed Grand Slam titles, and climbed to the top—just as Tomasz always believed she would.

Iga Swiatek’s father speaks of his role in her life

Last year, Tomasz Swiatek shared how he doesn’t need to push or suggest training ideas, his daughter is already driven and self-sufficient. “Iga is so intelligent and independent that we don’t even talk about it,” he said. “I don’t suggest or hint at anything. She has trainers for that. I have stepped aside.” His deep trust lets Swiatek thrive under the care of her chosen experts.

At that time, Swiatek was No. 1 in the WTA rankings with a solid support team. Head coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, physical trainer Maciej Ryszczuk, and psychologist Daria Abramowicz played key roles. Tomasz admired their work, saying, “The team works very well, and they themselves make sure that the workload is at the right level.” Later, Swiatek parted ways with Wiktorowski and welcomed Wim Fissette as her new coach.

Though he no longer coaches her, Tomasz and Iga remain incredibly close. After her round-of-16 match against Sorana Cirstea, Swiatek shared stories her father told about his Olympic journey in Seoul. Standing in the same Olympic venue decades later, she called it a surreal, “full-circle” moment, saying, “So, I’m happy to explore this city. He’s been talking about being here as a great adventure. I play a different sport. Still, we’re at the Olympic venue. This event is the best the world has in any area. Playing here for sure is an honour.”

Now, with 25 singles titles and over $42 million in career earnings, Iga Swiatek knows pressure well. But this week in Seoul, the story is as personal as it is professional. Now the Korea Open champion, perhaps as she said, we might just see her dad join her next year in Seoul. What’s your take?