The ascent of Iga Świątek to the pinnacle of women’s tennis is well documented, but the story of her family, particularly her older sister Agata, offers a compelling glimpse into the foundations of her success. While Iga has become a global sporting icon, her sister Agata Swiatek has forged her own path, one that initially mirrored Iga’s on the tennis court before ultimately leading her to a career in dentistry.
Agata, currently 25 years old, briefly pursued a tennis career, competing on the ITF Junior Circuit in 2013. However, injuries curtailed her ambitions at the age of 15, forcing a shift in focus. This change allowed Iga, initially aiming to surpass her older sister, to fully dedicate herself to the sport. The family navigated early financial struggles while supporting both daughters’ athletic pursuits, laying the groundwork for Iga’s eventual professional career.
Despite stepping away from competitive tennis, Agata remained a supportive presence in Iga’s life. She was notably present at Roland Garros in 2022 to witness Iga’s first victory at the prestigious tournament. The family’s sporting background is strong. their father, Tomasz Świątek, was an Olympic rower, competing in the men’s quadruple sculls at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. He encouraged both daughters to pursue sports and establish their own identities in the athletic world.
Following her tennis career, Agata pursued academics and is now a qualified dentist, working in a dental practice. This continues a family tradition, as their mother, Dorota Świątek, is also a dentist specializing in orthodontics. Interestingly, Dorota initially hoped Iga would also consider a career in dentistry, rather than solely focusing on tennis, a sentiment shared by Iga’s first coach, Artur Szostaczko.
While Iga has achieved remarkable success on the WTA Tour, becoming a dominant force and currently ranked among the world’s best, her mother’s perspective reveals a cautious approach to the demanding world of professional sports. Dorota expressed concerns about the potential for injury and the challenges of navigating the ITF and WTA structures. She acknowledged the risks inherent in a tennis career, emphasizing the importance of health and resilience.
Despite the initial reservations, Dorota has consistently supported Iga’s achievements, often offering congratulations via email due to Iga’s demanding travel schedule and commitments. The relationship between mother and daughter, while sometimes distant due to logistical challenges, remains a source of strength for Iga. Dorota acknowledged the difficulties in maintaining close contact, attributing it to distance, busy schedules, and personal family matters.
The Swiatek family story is one of athletic aspiration, adaptation, and unwavering support. While Iga has become the family’s sporting superstar, Agata’s journey demonstrates the importance of pursuing individual passions and finding fulfillment outside of the competitive arena. Agata’s success as a dentist highlights the family’s commitment to education and professional achievement, providing a balanced perspective on the pursuit of excellence.
As of today, , Iga Świątek continues to build upon her impressive legacy in tennis, with Agata providing support from a different, yet equally valuable, professional sphere. The bond between the sisters, forged through shared experiences and mutual respect, remains a cornerstone of Iga’s success.
