Iga Swiatek helps settle Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner debate with 'inspiration' claim
Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek has given her verdict on Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner's contrasting attitudes towards the sport. The world No. 3 secured her sixth Grand Slam title after sweeping past Amanda Anisimova at the All England Club.
Swiatek impressively surrendered just one set during her march to her first Wimbledon crown and has credited her work ethic as key to her success. Fellow Wimbledon victor Sinner shares a similar philosophy after proclaiming that "hard work beats talent" in the aftermath of his SW19 triumph.
However, Swiatek has admitted to drawing inspiration from Alcaraz's more relaxed attitude and dedication to savouring his downtime away from tennis. Following his French Open victory last month, the Spaniard made his annual trip to party in Ibiza before reaching another Wimbledon final.
"I wish I was more like Carlos because I have got to say he is a big inspiration in terms of that," Swiatek told TVA Sports. "He always says that the most important thing for him on a tennis court is to enjoy it and have fun and I sometimes forget about that.
"And sometimes with all the pressure around and things we need to do off the court, you need to remind yourself about this kid that started playing tennis, instead of winning for somebody and having this baggage on your shoulders.
"For sure, when Carlos shows that and when he speaks about that, it is always a good reminder for me, and I try to do that as well, but without me working on it, I think my mind would automatically go to just working, working, working."
Alcaraz jetted off for a brief getaway to Ibiza following his triumph over Sinner in their memorable French Open showdown at Roland Garros. Whilst other elite players would not dream of taking a break during such a pivotal period in the tennis season, the same routine had served as Alcaraz's preparation before winning two consecutive Wimbledon championships.
This year, on his return to action, he claimed the Queen's title and made it to the Wimbledon final. Yet, world No. 1 Sinner takes a more disciplined approach than his leading rival.
When asked about the formula behind his success after securing his fourth Grand Slam crown, Sinner said: "I always say that hard work beats talent. And that's what I try to do.
"I always go on a practice court with a purpose, and I believe that the mindset you start to build in practice sessions, when you struggle, when you have pain, when you at times don't want to practice, but you still go and you still do everything possible to make it a good day. If you cannot do it in practice sessions, then you cannot do it in the real matches."
Meanwhile, Swiatek remains determined to build on her Wimbledon win at the Canadian Open, where she faces Guo Hanyu in the second round on Wednesday. The 24-year-old has had time to contemplate her Wimbledon victory and assess how it compares to her earlier accomplishments.
"For sure, winning Wimbledon is something special. I think it was much different because I just haven't expected it," Swiatek admitted. "I didn't feel the relief as I did at Roland Garros because everyone was expecting me to win.
"I just felt super proud of myself. I thought that tennis can still surprise me and it was all so refreshing. That's why I'm super happy because it wasn't on my list this year to win Wimbledon and it happened. So I enjoyed this feeling and try to keep it with me for as long as possible."
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