Iga Swiatek has roared back to life after the heartbreak of Roland Garros, shaking off her early-season slump with a fierce Wimbledon run and a title charge at the Cincinnati Masters. Though her form dipped slightly at the US Open, the world number two now stands recharged and razor-sharp, ready to wreak havoc as the tour storms into the Asian swing. Touching down in Korea after a much-needed post–US Open breather, she looks poised to make the courts quake again. But here’s the twist: have you ever wondered about the one item in her tennis bag she simply can’t travel without? Let’s find out.

Recently, Overtime Tennis dropped a fascinating clip where host Elaina Jowdy put Iga Swiatek on the spot with a simple yet revealing question: “What is one item in your tennis bag that you can’t travel without?” The Polish star’s answer came with a smile: “Headphones and tennis cap, like, I can’t even play without my hat on so.” 

But the story didn’t stop there. Jowdy pressed further, curious about whether the hat was just for blocking the sun. Swiatek’s response peeled back a more personal layer. “You know, first of all when I was younger, I kind of used it to hide my hair because I didn’t like it. That’s not the best reason, but that’s the truth. And then year by year like, I got so used to it that when I had to play one practice without a hat, I was so surprised that when I toss the ball and when I serve, I can see my racket, I was shocked.” It was one of those candid moments where fans saw the human side of a champion.

Jowdy couldn’t resist throwing a follow-up, almost incredulous: did that mean Iga never saw her racket when serving? Swiatek, as calm as ever, explained with a laugh: “Well, when your head goes down already after hitting it like you don’t. So yeah. But I could see more without the hat and I was surprised.” That mix of honesty and humor was vintage Swiatek, an intense competitor on court, but relatable and self-aware off it.

Now, she takes that same calm energy into Seoul, where the world No. 2 is set to headline the Korea Open 2025. It marks her long-awaited debut at the WTA 500 event after she withdrew last year due to a provisional suspension. 

In her pre-tournament press conference, Swiatek kept her words measured, choosing focus over bravado. “I don’t think it makes sense to even think about the final already, and any girl can win this tournament. Great players come here. So I’m just going to really take it step by step,” she said. “I only came here yesterday, so I really need to use my time to just focus on here and now, and the practices and the first match.”

The draw, stacked with talent, promises no easy path. Swiatek, along with top-four seeds Daria Kasatkina, Clara Tauson, and Ekaterina Alexandrova, received first-round byes. The top half of the field bristles with names like Emma Raducanu, Barbora Krejcikova, Maya Joint, Eva Lys, and Sofia Kenin, all ready to make life difficult for the favorite. For Swiatek, it’s the kind of challenge she relishes, a chance to sharpen her edge as the season barrels toward its finish.

Yet, as she readies for Seoul, the sting of her US Open exit still lingers. Losing to eventual finalist Amanda Anisimova was a bitter pill, one she admitted was tough to swallow. But champions thrive on redemption arcs, and Swiatek looks determined to turn that pain into fire.

Iga Swiatek opens up about painful US Open exit

The World No. 2 is back in action after a much-needed spell of rest and recovery, stepping onto the Asian swing with fresh fire in her eyes. The pause after New York felt almost inevitable, a moment to reset after the disappointment of her early exit. Now, she is ready to unleash herself on her first post-Slam tournament, and the timing couldn’t be better.

Speaking to Dzień Dobry TVN, Iga Swiatek revealed what went wrong under Arthur Ashe Stadium’s bright lights. “Every top athlete is always a little dissatisfied if they don’t win a tournament. It was very chaotic for me in terms of what happened behind the scenes,” she admitted. Her words cut deep, offering a glimpse into the mental and emotional storm she weathered that fortnight.

The 24-year-old then laid bare the physical hurdle that added to the challenge. “I had a foot problem, a typical strain injury. Fortunately, it wasn’t serious or anything that would require a long break,” she said. The setback came out of nowhere, catching her completely off guard.

Fans even saw her discomfort up close when she was spotted courtside before her clash with Amanda Anisimova, sitting on a bench with her shoe and sock off, wincing as she tested her foot. But Swiatek has already flipped the narrative. “I’ve gained a lot of experience; I’ve never had problems like this before. We’ve learned our lesson and will take care of my foot,” she added.

Now fully charged for the Korea Open, Swiatek will play her first match tomorrow in the Round of 16. With her focus sharpened and momentum ready to surge, the question burns bright: can she lift the trophy in her debut appearance at the event?