Iga Swiatek made a lighthearted apology while confessing to taking Wimbledon souvenirs, specifically towels, for her friends and family.
The world number four comfortably defeated Polina Kudermetova 7-5, 6-1 on Tuesday, advancing to the second round at Wimbledon for the fifth time.
Following her match, Swiatek openly admitted to taking towels from the All England Club over the years to share as gifts.
“Come on. It`s a topic no one ever talks about. We love our towels,” she candidly stated.
She explained the demand from her entourage:
“Every time I come back from a Slam I think I have like 10 friends and 10 family members wanting towels. So, sorry guys. Sorry Wimbledon. I don’t know if I’m supposed to do that!”
Swiatek added that she already has many towels and humorously suggested she might need a new room for them if she continues playing for another 15 years.
Swiatek, seeded eighth at 24 years old, is set to face Caty McNally in the next round.
Looking ahead, Swiatek expressed relief at the predicted drop in temperature following the initial hot and sunny days at Wimbledon.
Commenting on the conditions, she said:
“Playing in this heat… I’m glad some clouds came. This day was pretty… I don’t know. I didn’t know how I’m going to survive it.”
She concluded by noting the need for adaptability in tennis, especially given the unpredictable British weather:
“In tennis we need to be ready for the rain, the heat, everything. Especially in the UK, as you see!”
