Iga Swiatek, acclaimed as one of the top tennis players globally and a likely future legend, shared her admiration for basketball star Steph Curry’s exceptional ability to perform under intense expectations. The Polish athlete, who has already secured six Grand Slam titles by age 24 and is preparing for the French Open, reflected on watching Curry live at the Chase Center in San Francisco last March.
Curry, a four-time NBA champion and former MVP, is renowned for making more three-pointers than anyone in NBA history and for being the only unanimous MVP ever. Swiatek attended a Golden State Warriors game against the Charlotte Hornets, where the Warriors triumphed 119-101.
I was super grateful for the reception, because, I don’t know, I wasn’t really expecting that. It was amazing and I really appreciate that.
– Iga Swiatek, Tennis Player
She described the match as
“more like a 6-love, 6-love match kind of,”
noting the Warriors dominated comfortably, but emphasized how remarkable it was to witness Curry’s talent firsthand. Swiatek went on to express particular respect for the pressure Curry faces as the team’s go-to three-point shooter.
I also thought about how it is for him when everybody just expects from him to have these three-point shots. I really, really respect how he manages that.
– Iga Swiatek, Tennis Player
Swiatek’s Journey at the 2025 Indian Wells Tournament
During her time in San Francisco, Swiatek prepared for the prestigious Indian Wells tournament, a significant WTA 1000 event in California. She entered the competition as the defending champion, advancing through the rounds with wins over Caroline Garcia, Dayana Yastremska, and Karolina Muchova.
In the quarter-finals, Swiatek secured a straight-sets victory against Qinwen Zheng, 6-3, 6-3, which set up a semi-final match against 18-year-old Mirra Andreeva. Despite her strong play, Swiatek was upset by Andreeva in a three-set battle, 6-7, 6-1, 3-6.
Subsequently, Andreeva went on to defeat top seed Aryna Sabalenka in the final, earning her second WTA 1000 title within a short span.
Understanding the Broader Significance
Swiatek’s respect for Steph Curry reflects an appreciation for elite athletes who excel under relentless expectations in their sports. Witnessing Curry’s ability to thrive as a consistent and reliable shooter offers insight into the mental toughness required at the highest levels of competition. Similarly, Swiatek’s own performances—marked by determination and resilience—highlight her growing stature in tennis.
As Swiatek continues preparing for major tournaments like the French Open, the intersection of respect among top athletes across different sports underscores how excellence transcends disciplines, inspiring fans and competitors alike.
