As Iga Swiatek prepares for her return to competitive tennis, she is not only eager to get back into match form but also deeply inspired by fellow young star Carlos Alcaraz. The Polish player’s recent reflections reveal a refreshing and often overlooked mindset in the high-pressure world of professional tennis: the importance of enjoying the game.

Swiatek spoke candidly in an interview with TVA Sports about how she admires Alcaraz’s approach to tennis, emphasizing fun and passion over the constant grind and unrelenting pressure to win. “I wish I was more like Carlos because he is a big inspiration in terms of that,” she said. “He always says that the most important thing for him on a tennis court is to enjoy it and have fun, and sometimes I forget about that. With all the pressure around and things we need to do off the court, you need to remind yourself about this kid who started playing tennis instead of winning for someone and having this baggage on your shoulders.”

For Swiatek, who has faced a challenging period marked by a 12-month title drought, these words strike a chord. Despite doubts about her form and doubts from the tennis community, she showcased her resilience and exceptional talent by capturing the Wimbledon title, a victory made even more impressive given that grass courts have historically been her least favored surface. This triumph not only boosted her confidence but also reenforced the idea that rediscovering joy in tennis can translate to success.

Carlos Alcaraz, though recently falling short in the men’s final at Wimbledon, remains a figure of immense respect and admiration for Swiatek. The Spanish prodigy’s infectious enthusiasm and playful attitude on court have rejuvenated the psyche of many players and fans alike. Alcaraz’s premise that enjoyment is crucial echoes a broader historical theme in tennis: some of the greatest champions—from Billie Jean King to Roger Federer—have spoken about passion and love for the sport as central to their careers. Federer often emphasized the sheer pleasure of play, a mindset that many believe prolonged his illustrious career.

Both Swiatek and Alcaraz, possessing extraordinary talent at young ages, appear on parallel trajectories aiming for the career Grand Slam—winning all four major titles (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open) over their careers. This elusive feat, achieved by legends such as Rod Laver, Serena Williams, and Novak Djokovic, remains a pinnacle goal for any player striving for greatness. Their shared ambition adds an intriguing layer to the evolving narrative of contemporary tennis.

As the Australian Open approaches, the anticipation is palpable. Swiatek will be looking to add the only major title missing from her resume, while Alcaraz is equally determined to complete his career Grand Slam journey. They are not without fierce competition; players like Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner, themselves rising stars, stand ready to challenge their dominance. The depth of talent in this new generation has created a thrilling tennis landscape that emphasizes both rivalry and respect.

Taking inspiration from Alcaraz reminds Swiatek—and perhaps all athletes—that the journey is just as important as the destination. The old adage “Rome wasn’t built in a day” rings true for burgeoning champions. Building a lasting legacy requires patience, balance, and a rekindling of the original joy that sparked a player’s love for tennis. For Swiatek, inspired by Alcaraz’s example, this means focusing on the enjoyment of each point, rather than merely the outcome.

Historically, tennis has been as much a mental and emotional battle as a physical one. Legends like Martina Navratilova have spoken about how managing pressure and maintaining fun helped them sustain careers over many years. The relentless focus on results can often stifle creativity and joy, making Swiatek’s and Alcaraz’s emphasis on fun a refreshing take in today’s high-stakes environment. Their approach highlights a timeless truth: that passion fuels performance.

With the serve-and-volley style evolving, baseline power games dominating, and athleticism reaching new heights, tennis continues to change rapidly. Yet the foundational element remains constant—the love of the game. As Swiatek prepares to “ace it” at the Australian Open and beyond, it’s clear she is ready not only to compete but to embrace tennis in its fullest sense, inspired by both history and her modern-day peer.

In embracing this philosophy, Swiatek underscores a vital lesson for all athletes: true greatness combines skill, resilience, and an unwavering enjoyment of the sport itself. As she steps onto the court, the spirit of youthful passion, exemplified by Alcaraz and echoed by champions before her, will undoubtedly light her path forward.