Iga Swiatek recently posted a rare photograph from her childhood showing her smiling while skiing in snowy mountains, revealing a glimpse of her early outdoor activities. The World No. 2 tennis player recounted her experiences on skis during a conversation with former Olympic champion Justyna Kowalczyk-Tekieli, who sparked nostalgic feelings for the young Pole.
Swiatek responded warmly to Kowalczyk-Tekieli’s mention of skiing with a heartfelt anecdote.
“So what’s the deal with those Justyna Kowalczyk-Tekieli skis? Don’t you forget?,”
she said while sharing the photograph from her early skiing days.
Family Background and Early Sporting Influence
Born into an athletic family, Iga Swiatek’s father competed as an Olympic rower, while her mother is an orthodontist. Her sister also pursued junior tennis before switching to a dental career. Swiatek fondly reminisced about her time on the slopes during childhood and expressed a desire to try skiing again, though uncertain if she still retains the skills.
“When I was little, we went skiing regularly, so that’s where I have the most experience, but that was years ago. I’d love to try again, but I don’t know how I’d find my way. Is it like riding a bike, where you never forget it? I’m not sure,”
Swiatek explained during her interview.
Both Swiatek and Kowalczyk-Tekieli are prominent Polish sports figures, with Swiatek boasting six Grand Slam tennis titles and Kowalczyk-Tekieli celebrated as a two-time Olympic gold medalist and one of Poland’s most successful skiers.
Recent Tennis Performances and Upcoming Goals
Swiatek’s 2026 season has started with solid, if unspectacular, results. After winning the United Cup, she reached the quarterfinals at both the Australian Open in Melbourne and the Qatar Open, where she lost a tightly contested three-set match against Greek player Maria Sakkari, 2-6, 6-4, 7-5.
Looking ahead, the two-time Indian Wells champion is preparing for her sixth appearance at the prestigious WTA 1000 event. She secured titles there in 2022 and 2024 and made the semifinals last year before falling to Mirra Andreeva in a three-set battle lasting over two hours.
Swiatek is expected to be seeded second at Indian Wells next month, though she remains approximately 3,500 points behind Aryna Sabalenka in the WTA rankings, signaling ongoing competition for the top spot.
Significance of Swiatek’s Skiing Past and Tennis Future
Swiatek’s shared memories of skiing underscore a grounded, multifaceted athletic background that complements her current tennis career. Her willingness to revisit those early sporting experiences reflects a hopeful and curious mindset amid the pressures of professional tennis.
With important tournaments like Indian Wells on the horizon, the 24-year-old Pole appears focused on regaining momentum and climbing higher in the rankings, aiming to balance the demands of competition with the joy found in past athletic pursuits.
