I Miss Those Days”: Iga Swiatek Reflects on Underdog Career Phase

Iga Swiatek has conquered the tennis world, dominated Grand Slam stages, and worn the pressure-heavy crown of world No. 1—but in a rare moment of reflection, the Polish superstar admits she sometimes longs for a very different chapter of her career. “I miss those days,” Swiatek recently said, looking back at her time as an underdog, when expectations were low and freedom was high.

Before the trophies, before the headlines, and before every opponent treated her as the player to beat, Swiatek was just a fearless teenager swinging freely, shocking established stars, and playing with nothing to lose. It was during that phase—most memorably at the 2020 French Open—that she burst onto the global stage, catching rivals off guard with her aggressive style and unshakable calm. Back then, every win felt like a bonus. Every match was an opportunity, not an obligation.

Now, the reality is very different. As a multiple-time Grand Slam champion, Swiatek carries the weight of expectation into every tournament. Each loss is dissected, each performance scrutinized. Being the favorite means pressure from fans, media, and even from within. And while she has handled it better than most, Swiatek admits that the simplicity of her early days still holds a special place in her heart.

“There was less noise,” she hinted, suggesting that the underdog phase allowed her to focus purely on improvement and joy. No defending points. No constant comparisons. Just tennis.

Yet, this nostalgia isn’t regret—it’s perspective. Swiatek’s comments reveal a champion who understands the cost of greatness. The carefree underdog may be gone, but the hunger that defined that era still fuels her today. In fact, some believe revisiting that mindset—playing boldly, trusting instincts, and embracing risk—could be the key to her next evolution.

As the WTA tour grows deeper and more competitive, Swiatek’s ability to balance dominance with freedom may decide how long she stays at the top. Missing the underdog days doesn’t mean wanting them back—it means remembering what made her dangerous in the first place.

And if Swiatek can reconnect with that fearless version of herself? The rest of the tour might soon find out why she stopped being an underdog—and started becoming a problem.