Latest news with #Świątek
Chicago Tribune
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Billie Jean King on today's tennis, the media and a new play at Chicago Shakespeare about her life
'Billie Jean' is the name of the new play by Lauren Gunderson now in its world premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. This show about the tennis great Billie Jean King is currently in The Yard on Navy Pier through Aug. 10, and then is widely expected to have a life beyond Chicago. King spoke to the Tribune in a telephone interview just after returning from the All England Lawn Tennis Championships, better known as Wimbledon, where she sat next to Princess Kate in the Royal Box for the women's singles final and watched Iga Świątek defeat Amanda Anisimova by a score of 6-0, 6-0. Our conversation has been edited for clarity and length. Q: That final was quite the wipeout. A: Świątek was amazing. She couldn't even get through the qualifier last time. But you know, we don't have two dominant players anymore. It used to be Steffi (Graf) and Monica (Seles), or Chris (Evert) and Martina (Navratilova). Now on a given day, any of the top 200 women can beat any of the others. Q: The women's game has come a long way. A: I put on the tennis channel and I can't believe all the cities we are in now. We've really been the leaders in women's sport since the 1970s. The Ladies Professional Golf Association was founded a year before the Women's Tennis Association but we've eclipsed them. Q: Could you have beaten Świątek or Anisimova when you were in your prime? A: No. My brother played professional baseball for 12 years. Our parents taught us both that every generation gets better. I them to be better. When we women signed our first one-dollar contract, we wanted three things: a place to compete, to be appreciated for our accomplishments and not only for our looks, and to be able to make a living playing the sport we love. Now you see all the other women's sports people are starting to invest in. My former husband and I used to own the Chicago tournament. I've been involved in Chicago for a very long time. Q: You still have your place here, right? A: I do. Q: Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz also played an amazing match. A: They did. Italy and Spain right now have the best male players in the world. And Jannik is such a great guy. You could not ask for a more thoughtful, smarter human being. He walked all the way over as we were leaving Wimbledon and introduced himself to my entire group, one by one. He didn't have to do that. There really has been a changing of the guard with Sinner and Alcaraz and all the others. I've been through six generations of players now. And don't forget the Italian woman, Jasmine Paolini. She loves to perform. Q: You are very easy to talk with. A: I have always talked to the media. When younger players complain about doing so, I've always said, 'Have you ever thought that this is how these people make their livings? And that if you don't talk to them they might lose the job they are in?' No players ever answer yes to that. I always say you have to know the business you are in. I could come up with other names for you to interview if you like. Q: Most athletes don't look at things that way. A: True. Most players also have no clue how much things cost. The top players are just starting to understand they should run their own businesses, not just get money from endorsements. I've invested in sports since 1968. Q: Now Chicago gets to see a play about you. A: When the producer, Harriet (Newman Leve), said she wanted to start in Chicago, I said that's fantastic. Aside from the apartment, I am so invested there. Q: This is not your first go-around in terms of dramatizations of your life. There was the movie, 'The Battle of the Sexes,' about your beating Bobby Riggs. A: We are still friends with Emma Stone (who played King). She married a great guy we love. She had a baby. The baby loves tennis. Did you know tennis was the healthiest sport in the world? They've done research. Q: I can believe it. A: I still love to hit balls against the wall. Q: I can believe that too. So you are involved in this play? A: Are you kidding me? We've been involved. I've met all the actors. I've made suggestions. Lauren (Gunderson) has done a really great job. Q: Chilina Kennedy, a musical star I've seen many times, plays you. A: I want her to sing. She's so talented. Q: Plays about sport can he hard unless you have incredible actor-athletes. Tough to pretend to play like you did. A: Sure. But this play isn't about tennis as much as it is about life. It's off the court that matters here. It's about my trying to figure out my sexuality. I think it's a great platform for the community. Tennis is a part of it, of course. But for me, it's really about the audience so that when they leave they are inspired by something. I hope they can derive something from it that makes their lives better. I think it expresses my journey through the thick and the thin. We've all been going like a bat of hell. Of course. It's about women's sports.
Daily Maverick
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Świątek's Wimbledon whitewash of Anisimova not a barometer for quality of women's tennis
The straight-sets win by the Polish superstar Iga Świątek over America's Amanda Anisimova is an outlier, not the norm. It's a Wimbledon final that has sparked debate, particularly around the issue of equal pay and whether women should also be required to play the best of fives sets at Grand Slams in order for this pay disparity to close. Polish tennis star Iga Świątek underlined her credentials as the best player of this current generation as she obliterated American Amanda Anisimova 6-0, 6-0 in the women's singles final at Wimbledon. After Anisimova had shown grit and guile to outmanoeuvre world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in the semifinals, she was expected to put on a better show in the decider versus Świątek. Especially because Świątek has never shied away from sharing how difficult she finds playing on grass. In fact, the 2025 Wimbledon final was the Pole's first at the world's oldest Grand Slam. That balances the scales, right? Wrong. This was Świątek's sixth overall Grand Slam final, to Anisimova's one. With her 57-minute victory over Anisimova, Świątek coincidentally took her tally at major finals to a perfect score of 6-0. When Świątek reaches a Grand Slam final she does not lose. At this point in her career, the 24-year-old Pole is more efficient than Real Madrid in the European Champions League, or Rafael Nadal at Roland-Garros. As such, Anisimova was always poised to suffer against Świątek. But no one could have predicted just how one-sided the final would be. Rare result Anisimova's mauling by Świątek was only the second time in the Open Era that a women's Grand Slam champion did not lose a single game. The other time this occurred was when Steffi Graff swatted aside Natasha Zvereva 6-0, 6-0 at the 1988 French Open. That contest lasted just 34 minutes. While empathising with her opponent, Świątek was also elated with herself for snapping mental barrier. Throughout her career, the Pole has spoken about her struggles on grass courts, labelling it her least-favourite surface. This is in contrast to clay, where she is at home and has won four of her six Slams. 'Coming here, I could really focus on getting better and developing as a player rather than everybody just asking me to win,' Świątek said. 'I kind of enjoyed that because expectations were a bit lower.' 'For sure, it feels like the emotions are bigger because at Roland-Garros I know I can play well and I know I can show it every year,' Świątek told WTA. 'Here, I wasn't sure of that. I also needed to prove that to myself. This one and the US Open for sure feel better because no one expected that. It wasn't a relief. It was more of just good tennis and working to make it happen, without this baggage on your shoulders,' she added. 'I'm sorry' For her part, Anisimova was naturally devastated by the horror display in her maiden major final. The 23-year-old was apologetic towards the spectators who had packed into Centre Court expecting a show similar to the one she had put on when defeating Sabalenka. Instead Anisimova was overawed by the occasion, making a barrage of unforced errors to make Świątek's job that much easier. During her post-match interview a distraught Anisimova said to the crowd: 'Guys, I'm so sorry. 'Thank you to everyone who has supported me since my first-round match, you guys have carried me through. 'I've had a great fortnight, even though I ran out of gas [in the final]. I wish I could have put on a better performance for all of you, but you guys have still been there and lifted me up.' Anisimova simply froze on the grandest stage she has ascended to so far in her career. It can happen to anyone, just ask the players of Inter Milan after they were demolished 5-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in the 2025 Champions League final. A former junior tennis prodigy – having won the 2017 Junior US Open and being ranked as high as second in the world – Anisimova is determined to bounce back from this setback. Having quit tennis in 2023, for mental health reasons, the American is not ready to walk away again. 'It's a fork in the road. It's whatever direction you want to go in. I'm going to choose the path of working towards my goals and to try and keep improving. Hopefully I put myself in more positions and opportunities like [at this Wimbledon],' Anisimova said. Equity talk Nevertheless, the one-sided Wimbledon final has once again sparked debate about equity in the tennis world. While the winners of Grand Slams receive the same prize money, at general tour competitions there are still pay disparities. Critics of elite women wanting to earn as much as the men in tennis have zeroed in on the non-contest between Świątek and Anisimova. In addition, such detractors have also argued that women should never earn the same as their counterparts because they only play a maximum of three sets. However, this argument falls flat because outside of Grand Slams (where pay is equal), the men's tennis players also participate in the best-of-three-sets matches. In any case, retired French tennis player Marion Bartoli believes the current crop of women's tennis players could play five sets if such a regulation was passed. Bartoli also cautioned against using the rare result seen in the Wimbledon final to assassinate women's tennis. 'That final was special, so I don't think you can take that one example and extrapolate it to say that women should play best-of-five. Usually we see longer finals, like the one at Roland-Garros. It's a discussion the players need to have with the WTA,' Bartoli told CLAY. 'Women are absolutely capable of playing best-of-five sets,' the 2013 Wimbledon champion added. 'Taking that step would require today's players to sit down and really consider whether it's what's best for women's tennis or not. It's not up to us, the former players, to make that decision,' Bartoli said. Nevertheless, the odds are that Anisimova would have still been pumelled even in a five-set situation. Świątek was just at her destructive best. DM
Euronews
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Polish PM joins Iga Świątek in pasta with strawberries controversy
After winning her third-round match against Danielle Collins, Polish tennis player and Wimbledon champion Iga Świątek revealed that her favourite dish is pasta with strawberries, which resonated with some, while raising eyebrows with others across the continent. "I have my favourite dish. I ate it often as a child. It's pasta with strawberries. You should try it. Pasta, strawberries and a bit of yoghurt, it's just delicious," Świątek said after winning her match against Danielle Collins. Her statement sparked a wave of comments on social media, most notably from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who posted a photo of himself holding a plate of pasta with strawberries and cream on X Saturday, appearing to eat the dish while watching Swiatek on television. However, this sparked further debate, as Tusk's pasta seemed uncooked, which did not sit well with some users, while others argued that the dish was not made with whole strawberries. "What on Earth is happening in Poland that their prime minister posts this on his official account? Are those strawberries on pasta? What is happening in Poland," one user asked. "He didn't even cook the pasta. His assistant made him a prop for the photo," another one commented in Polish. According to the Media Monitoring Institute, Świątek's strawberry pasta video reached as many as 25 million internet users outside Poland within a few days. The video, which was posted on Wimbledon's official TikTok, also triggered a wave of reactions. Polish fans posted comments praising Świątek's taste. "Best summer food of all time," wrote one fan. However, many internet users outside of Poland expressed a different opinion. In one comment, the dish was described as a "crime against pasta". On Saturday, Świątek became the first Polish tennis player in history to win Wimbledon in the women's singles at the professional level, beating her US rival Amanda Anisimova in straight sets without losing a game.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek shake a leg at Wimbledon Champions' Dinner: All about the off-court tradition
The competition stays at court, the camaraderie continues on the dance floor! The singles winners (men's and women's) at Wimbledon 2025, Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek, wowed the world in their tennis whites before they got glammed up for the traditional Champions' Dinner. Italy's Jannik Sinner got the better of Carlos Alcaraz in the Gentlemen's singles summit clash and lifted the Gentlemen's Singles trophy on Sunday, while Poland's Iga Swiatek breezed past Amanda Anisimova in the championship clash in the women's section on Saturday. After all the hard work and sweet success, both the champions were pictured in high spirits during the ceremonial dinner gala following their triumph at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Every year, Wimbledon champions from the men's and women's singles are honored not only with trophies but with a coveted spot at the Champions' Dinner and Ball, where they're expected to share a dance. Let's delve deeper into the tradition where the two take the center stage and shake a leg! Takes two to uphold tradition! Well, it ain't Tango! But that doesn't mean the two champions can't hold the attention of the onlookers and leave them impressed! Wimbledon's Champions' Dinner and the accompanying dance have their roots in the club's illustrious history. Though once mandatory, the dance faded for decades after the mid‑70s, resurfacing only occasionally. In 2015, it was famously revived when Novak Djokovic danced with Serena Williams, and again in 2018 with Djokovic and Angelique Kerber – proving the resilience of a stylish tradition. In 2024, Carlos Alcaraz and Barbora Krejčíková brought it back again, sparking joy (and a little awkwardness) among players and fans alike! Fun and flamboyance: All in good spirits Now, although both the champions carved their names on the list of Wimbledon champions – they're far from being a pro when it comes to a dance floor and not a tennis court! Both Sinner and Świątek admitted they weren't exactly Fred Astaire. In fact, Sinner had cheekily described the dance as a 'problem,' joking: 'I'm not really good at dancing. But come on… I can handle it!' On the other hand, Świątek reportedly buried her face in her hands upon realizing she'd have to dance, echoing Alcaraz's own pre-ball jitters! But even the amateurs start swaying when the music starts! Once the music started, their smiles and swift footwork – both showed that sheer enthusiasm can trump meticulous technique any day! The gala, the glamour At the 2025 Champions' Dinner and Ball, Sinner and Świątek took center stage under the grand venue's chandelier light. Sinner was donned and looked dapper in a classic black tuxedo, while Świątek opted for muted sophistication in a glamorous silver‑purple gown – spinning, laughing, and creating a social‑media sensation! While upholding and continuing tradition might have demanded a tad bit more legwork on their part than their usual training – the lighthearted moments shared by the champions and the spectators captured what the 'Ball' symbolizes: celebration, connection, and the softer side of sport. The beginning of it might have had a few hiccups. A bit of awkwardness? Maybe. But did it have its own wonders? Absolutely! After all, both the champions – Sinner and Świątek – kept in mind what Professor McGonagall had said about the Yule Ball – A ball is always an opportunity for "well-mannered frivolity!"
USA Today
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Iga Świątek is mirroring her tennis idol to a tee after first Wimbledon title
Iga Świątek has never been shy about her admiration for the legendary Rafael Nadal. The Polish superstar has frequently talked about how big of an inspiration the 22-time major champion was on her own career as she rose to prominence. Over the years, Nadal has wholeheartedly embraced Świątek as she's tried to follow in his footsteps. As it turns out, after Świątek won her first Wimbledon title on Saturday, it sure seems like she is also following Nadal's career trajectory ... perfectly. No, seriously. It's basically to a tee. You can't make this up, I swear. CHAMPIONING HER CULTURE: Świątek beloved strawberries and pasta are Polish delicacy First off, with 14 French Open titles, Nadal is known as the all-time "King of Clay." No other man has more than eight titles at Roland-Garros. While Świątek still has a ways to go in this regard, she has won four of the last six French Opens, earning a nickname as the current "Queen of Clay." Also, the only other tennis star to win 40 French Open matches faster than Świątek was, you guessed it, Nadal. So, for a time, both were known as "clay merchants" who could only succeed on that specific playing surface. But that is obviously no longer the case for either. Secondly, with Świątek's Wimbledon first victory finally giving her a Grand Slam title on all three playing surfaces (clay, grass, hardcourt) — by the way, she is only the eighth woman ever to do so — she almost mirrored Nadal's first six major titles (four at Roland-Garros, one at Wimbledon, one on hardcourt) precisely. The only major difference is that Nadal won his first hardcourt Grand Slam at the 2009 Australian Open while Świątek won her first hardcourt Grand Slam at the 2022 US Open. If all of this weren't enough, Świątek celebrated her first Wimbledon victory just like Nadal did. I mean, COME ON. In other words, dearest readers, the Polish dynamo is more or less emulating her tennis role model, Nadal, completely. To separate from Nadal for a second, Świątek is now 6-0 in Grand Slam finals. The only other players in the Open Era to start at least 6-0 in Grand Slam finals in their respective careers are Margaret Court (8-0), Roger Federer (7-0), and Monica Seles. Świątek is also only one Grand Slam victory from tying Venus Williams and Justine Henin in all-time major titles. Finally, all the Pole needs to complete a career Grand Slam is a win at next year's Australian Open. All at the age of 24 with her entire career still ahead of her. Phew. Call it a hunch, but it's probably safe to say that Świątek isn't done channeling Nadal OR making her role model proud.
