Iga Swiatek opened her US Open campaign with a confident victory against Emiliana Arango by 6-1, 6-2, and while her tennis was the main attraction, much of the conversation in her press conference quickly turned to an unexpected topic: Taylor Swift. The Polish world No. 1, known for her sharp focus and relentless work ethic, showed a lighter side as she shared her admiration for the global pop star, whose personal life and music have been a source of inspiration for her since her teenage years.
Swiatek admitted that the first rounds of Grand Slam tournaments always carry a unique set of challenges, with players adapting to conditions that feel different from the practice courts. For her, the win was not just about progressing to the next stage, but about settling into the rhythm of the fortnight. “First matches are always a little bit different,” she said. “I’m happy that I had some time to get used to the conditions and the surface. I think it was just a solid match, and I’m happy that I can play another one here.”
But once the tennis questions gave way to lighter fare, Swiatek’s face lit up as she discussed Swift’s reported engagement to NFL star Travis Kelce. Her team had shown her the news on Instagram immediately after her match, and the 23-year-old could not hide her excitement. “I’m just happy for her, because she deserves the best,” she said. “What’s the laugh? She does! Obviously, she had a lot of boyfriends, so we know all about that. Hopefully this one will stick forever. Travis seems like a great guy, and she seems super happy, so I wish them all the best
That enthusiasm comes from more than casual fandom. Swiatek explained that she has followed Swift’s career since 2014, keeping up with updates on fan pages and listening to each new album. She admitted to drifting away during the Reputation era, only to be drawn back in during the pandemic when Folklore and Evermore were released. “I didn’t really like Reputation at first,” she confessed. “But now I do—don’t worry.” For her, Swift’s music has been a constant companion, one that fits alongside the highs and lows of life on tour.
