‘I Wish I Was More Like Carlos Alcaraz’ – Iga Swiatek Reveals Why Spaniard is a ‘Big Inspiration’
In a world where professional athletes are often pitted against one another, Iga Swiatek is carving her own path—not just with powerful groundstrokes and unmatched mental focus, but with deep respect for her fellow stars. Recently, the four-time Grand Slam champion opened up about one of the most surprising influences in her career: Spain’s tennis phenom Carlos Alcaraz. In a candid interview, Swiatek said, “I wish I was more like Carlos Alcaraz,” calling the 21-year-old a “big inspiration” for both his style of play and his joyful approach to the game.
Her words sent a ripple through the tennis world—not because admiration between players is rare, but because it revealed a personal, vulnerable side of Swiatek, who has often been perceived as intensely focused, even stoic, in her pursuit of excellence. Behind the dominant baseline play and steely match demeanor is a young woman who, like many of her peers, is still learning, evolving, and searching for balance.
Admiring the Joy in Alcaraz’s Game
Swiatek, currently ranked No. 1 in the WTA rankings, spoke glowingly about Alcaraz during a recent media appearance in Poland following her Wimbledon campaign. Despite her own continued success on tour—including multiple titles in 2024 and consistent top-level performances—the 23-year-old admitted she finds something deeply admirable in how the Spaniard carries himself on and off the court.
“What I love about Carlos is that he plays with joy. You can see it in his body language, in his smile, in the way he interacts with the crowd. He plays freely, even in the most high-pressure moments. I admire that so much,” Swiatek said. “Sometimes I feel like I’m too serious. I wish I could loosen up more like him.”
Swiatek pointed to Alcaraz’s performance at Wimbledon 2023 and his recent run at Roland Garros as examples of how the Spaniard embraces the spotlight without being consumed by it. “He seems to have this childlike love for the game, even when he’s playing for a Grand Slam title,” she noted.
A Different Kind of Role Model
What makes Swiatek’s admiration even more compelling is that Alcaraz represents a different branch of the modern tennis tree. While Swiatek’s game is built on methodical precision, superior defense, and mental fortitude, Alcaraz plays with spontaneity, creativity, and a flair that reminds fans of both Roger Federer’s elegance and Rafael Nadal’s passion.
“He’s not afraid to experiment,” Swiatek said. “He’ll try a drop shot from behind the baseline or hit a crazy forehand on the run. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t—but he keeps trying. That inspires me to take more risks, not just with my shots but with my mindset.”
In fact, she revealed that she has been working with her coaching team to introduce more variety and boldness into her own game—crediting Alcaraz as one of the catalysts for that change.
Learning to Embrace the Spotlight
Swiatek’s journey at the top has not been without its mental hurdles. She has been open about her struggles with pressure and expectations since rising to the world No. 1 ranking. Unlike Alcaraz, who seems to thrive in the chaos of big-stage matches, Swiatek has admitted that she often has to mentally “gear up” for the glare of media and fan attention.
“Carlos enjoys the moment, and he seems at ease with the fame and attention,” she said. “For me, it’s something I’m still learning to manage. Watching how he handles everything with a smile—it reminds me that tennis is supposed to be fun.”
Mutual Respect and a Shared Future
While Swiatek looks up to Alcaraz, the respect appears to be mutual. Alcaraz has previously spoken about his admiration for Swiatek’s consistency and discipline, and he congratulated her on social media after her Roland Garros win earlier this year.
With both players under 24, they represent the bright future of tennis. Their mutual inspiration and friendship could be a defining narrative of this generation. Fans and analysts alike are increasingly drawn to the idea of tennis evolving beyond rivalries into more collaborative respect among players who are pushing each other to improve.
Role Models for a New Generation
Swiatek and Alcaraz are redefining what it means to be at the top. For Swiatek, that means not only winning Grand Slams but learning to find more joy in the game. For Alcaraz, it’s showing that passion, risk-taking, and entertainment can coexist with elite success.
“I’m learning that inspiration can come from anywhere—even from someone a couple years younger than you,” Swiatek concluded. “Carlos reminds me why I started playing tennis in the first place—for the love of the game.”
In an era increasingly dominated by pressure, expectations, and commercial commitments, Iga Swiatek’s heartfelt admiration for Carlos Alcaraz is a refreshing reminder that even the best athletes are still students—still striving, still growing, and still inspired by each other.
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