Heading into the coming season, the reigning world no. 1, Iga Swiatek, showcases a commitment not only to her athletic pursuits but also to philanthropy, making a positive difference beyond the world of tennis. Iga Swiatek, the 2023 French Open champion, recently gave her French Open-winning racket to a charity auction.
Renowned Polish motorsport figures Sobieslaw Zasada, Rafal Sonik, and Kajetan Kajetanowicz organized the auction. This noble endeavor aims to contribute to child road safety initiatives in Poland, where disturbing statistics reveal a surge in accidents involving children under 14. In 2022 alone, authorities reported 1794 such accidents, leading to the tragic loss of 54 young lives.
The champion racket now stands as a symbol of hope for this crucial cause. The proceeds, totaling $63,000, will be allocated to rehabilitate children affected by road accidents, promote awareness programs, and acquire life-saving equipment.
*World No. 1 Iga Swiatek’s racquet that helped her win this year’s French Open has been sold for US$ 63,000 (₹ 52.5 L) to raise funds for children killed in road accidents.* (Mid-day) pic.twitter.com/9baawpy2xb
— virensingh k (@virensinghk) November 29, 2023
Swiatek’s commitment to such noble causes is not new; she previously auctioned the racket from her 2022 French Open and US Open victories, with the proceeds aiding the fight against sepsis in Poland, mental health awareness, and relief efforts for Ukraine.
The substantial funds raised in the recent auction of her marquee racket highlight the impact of Swiatek’s philanthropic efforts among her followers and fans. As Swiatek gears up for the challenges ahead, her multifaceted approach to life is truly commendable!
Iga Swiatek returns to pre-season training
While some athletes use the off-season as an opportunity to unwind, Swiatek doesn’t seem to have that thought process. Fresh off her triumph at the WTA Finals in Cancun, Iga Swiatek has wasted no time signaling her return to the training court for the upcoming 2024 season.
The tennis sensation recently shared her commitment to the sport on social media, giving fans a glimpse into her preseason preparations. Despite the notion of an offseason, Swiatek’s schedule remains packed, with commitments such as the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi during the festive period and the United Cup in Australia shortly thereafter, highlighting the relentless nature of the tennis calendar.
The post was reshared by The Tennis Letter with the caption, “Does anyone miss tennis?” and followed by “Back to the grind,” reflecting Swiatek’s eagerness to build upon her successes in 2023 and preserve her top spot in the world rankings.
Iga Swiatek is back on the court.
“Does anyone miss tennis? 🙃”
Back on the grind. 🇵🇱 pic.twitter.com/IrB5KvX8dS
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 21, 2023
As Swiatek gears up for the challenges ahead, her proactive return to training sets the stage for another exciting season for the world no. 1 and her fans. Her swift return to training highlights her dedication to maintaining peak performance. Swiatek seems focused on her tennis goals, which seem limitless as of now.