In a surprising turn of events, world No. 1 tennis player Iga Świątek has hinted at a potential break from competitive tennis, sparking speculation about her future in the sport. Świątek, who has faced a series of challenges both on and off the court recently, alluded to the possibility of a hiatus during a press conference in Warsaw, following her early exit from a domestic tournament.

“Sometimes you need to step back to move forward,” Świątek said, after losing in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Polish Open, a result that shocked both fans and analysts alike. “It’s been a tough few months, and I’m considering what’s best for my health, both physically and mentally.”

The 23-year-old has been a dominant force in tennis since winning the French Open in 2020, and her recent struggles have raised questions about her well-being and the pressures of maintaining peak performance. Świątek’s management team quickly issued a statement clarifying that there are no immediate plans for her to retire but emphasized that she is “taking the necessary time to reassess her priorities.”

“We fully support Iga’s decision to focus on her health and mental well-being,” said the statement from her management team. “Her commitment to tennis is unwavering, but she is human, and like any elite athlete, her mental and physical health must come first.”

The tennis community has rallied behind Świątek, with numerous players and fans expressing their support for her, acknowledging the immense pressure placed on top-ranked athletes. As one of the sport’s brightest stars, Świątek’s future remains uncertain, but her fans remain hopeful that she will soon return to form, stronger than ever.

Stay tuned for more updates on Iga Świątek’s next steps.