Iga Swiatek Cries After Winning Bronze at Paris Olympics

Iga Swiatek became the first Polish player to win a tennis medal at the Olympics.

Iga Swiatek won bronze at the Paris Olympics. / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

On Friday afternoon, Iga Swiatek easily defeated Anna Karolína Schmiedlová in straight sets: 6-2, 6-1. Swiatek secured a bronze medal and became the first Polish player to win a tennis medal at the Olympics.

The top-ranked women's singles player in the world may have had higher hopes for her return to Roland Garros. Just two months ago, Swiatek won the French Open. Four of her five Grand Slam titles have come on the legendary clay courts. She had not lost a match at Roland Garros since 2021.

Iga Swiatek in tears after winning the bronze medal at the Olympics.

I hope these are happy tears. 🥹

She has made every single Polish person incredibly proud this week.

The leader of women’s tennis and an all-time great already.

🇵🇱❤️ pic.twitter.com/AN7tFJDzOa

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 2, 2024

So, naturally, Swiatek was upset when she lost to Qinwen Zheng during yesterday's semifinal match. It felt like her mini-slump, which lasted through grass court season, had carried over to the comfortable clay courts.

Even worse, the fan-favorite had become embroiled in beef with other players during the Olympics. Danielle Collins called out Swiatek for her gamesmanship which bordered on poor sportsmanship. The flareup ignited a debate on social media about Swiatek's style on the court.

Iga Swiatek’s dad’s dream was to win an Olympic medal.

He was a rower for Team Poland.

He came very close to fulfilling that dream, but fell a little bit short.

Today, his daughter fulfilled that dream, by winning Poland’s first-ever tennis medal.

She did it for her… pic.twitter.com/oiPGCy5LDc

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 2, 2024

Despite all the drama, today was unforgettable day for Swiatek and her father. The former Olympic rower was in attendance for the match. When asked what the moment meant for the two, Switaek answered:

"It’s amazing. Honestly me and my sister were raised in this spirit that the Olympics are the most important tournament. That’s why it wasn’t the easiest tournament. This makes it even better. I’m proud of myself I could do it. I’m happy he was here to see it. This is for sure a great place for me to be and play. I’m happy that besides Roland Garros titles, I could add another success to it."

However, Swiatek bounced back to get her season back on track. The 23-year-old can add a bronze medal to her already stellar trophy room and begin preparing for the US Open in New York City later this month.

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Further Reading: Andy Murray joked that he "never even liked tennis anyway" after his final match.