It’s tournament time in the California desert, and all eyes are on Iga Swiatek as she navigates both the pressure of Indian Wells and the quieter moments in between. The Polish tennis star, currently ranked World No. 2 and a six-time Grand Slam champion, has made it clear she’s not just here to compete—she’s here to grow, both on and off the court.
Swiatek rolled into Indian Wells with a laser focus, eager to add another prestigious title to her already impressive resume. Yet, as the competition heats up, she’s also found ways to unwind, offering fans a rare glimpse into her off-court rituals. During a recent press conference, Swiatek candidly revealed how she’s managing the tournament’s intensity: by diving headfirst into the world of classic cinema from the 1990s.
"I'm watching the classics from [the] '90s. It's super nice. Legends of the Fall and English Patient. Intense movies, but I love them," Swiatek shared after her commanding 6-0, 7-6(2) victory over American Kayla Day in the second round. The revelation drew smiles from the assembled media, many of whom were eager to know more about her downtime habits. Swiatek, known for her deep knowledge of books and TV shows, admitted that movies have always been a bit of a blind spot for her. "I always needed to get more movie knowledge in my life, because I know a lot about books, TV shows. But movies, not really. I'm still learning."
Her honesty was refreshing, and her taste impeccable. Both Legends of the Fall and The English Patient are Oscar-winning films, with the latter sweeping nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actress. Legends of the Fall, meanwhile, claimed the Oscar for Best Cinematography. Swiatek couldn’t pick a favorite between the two. "They are all basically Oscar nominated or won Oscars. Hard to pick. But I'm crying on every show," she confessed, drawing laughter and empathy from anyone who’s ever been moved by a great film.
It’s not just movies filling Swiatek’s downtime. She’s also kept herself busy with books and LEGO sets, a nod to her well-known love for learning and creativity. "Besides that, kind of everything, because yeah, LEGOs, movies, and books. But honestly, like, first week was so intense, like there was so much going on, so I'm happy that now that the tournament has started, I can have more relaxed days," Swiatek said. For a player constantly in the spotlight, these quiet moments are crucial for maintaining focus and composure.
But don’t let her relaxed demeanor fool you. Swiatek’s competitive fire is burning as fiercely as ever. After dispatching Kayla Day with clinical efficiency, she now faces a formidable challenge in the third round: Maria Sakkari, the 32nd seed from Greece. Their rivalry is well-established, with each player having won four of their previous eight encounters on the WTA Tour. This upcoming match at Indian Wells is set to be the rubber match in their head-to-head, and the stakes could hardly be higher.
Swiatek isn’t taking anything for granted. Just a month ago, Sakkari staged an impressive comeback to defeat Swiatek 2-6, 6-4, 7-5 in the Doha quarterfinals—a result that clearly stung. Reflecting on that loss, Swiatek was candid about what went wrong and how she’s been working to fix it. "In Doha, it was, for me, quite obvious why I lost. And immediately when I went off the court, I knew what to improve. Like technical-wise, I didn't really prepare for some of the shots as [well as] I should. When we got back home, I really practiced hard," she explained. "Also, I played many longer rallies to not lose patience in the middle of it, and really be able to grind. Because against Maria, you need to be ready for a physical match."
That attention to detail and willingness to adapt has been a hallmark of Swiatek’s rise to the top of women’s tennis. Her preparation for Sakkari has been both technical and mental, with an emphasis on staying patient during long rallies and maintaining her composure under pressure. It’s a strategy born of experience—Swiatek knows that Sakkari will test her physically, and she’s determined not to let frustration get the better of her.
Their history adds an extra layer of intrigue to this round. Sakkari, for her part, has proven she can go toe-to-toe with the best, and she’ll be looking to repeat her Doha heroics on the hard courts of Indian Wells. Swiatek, meanwhile, is eager to show that she’s learned from past mistakes and is ready to reclaim the upper hand in their rivalry. With both players having split their previous eight meetings, this match feels like a true toss-up—tennis fans couldn’t ask for a more exciting showdown at this stage of the tournament.
Off the court, Swiatek’s openness about her personal growth and interests continues to endear her to fans. Her willingness to admit where she’s less knowledgeable—and her determination to improve—reflects the same mindset that’s made her a champion in tennis. Whether she’s assembling a tricky LEGO set, losing herself in a good book, or shedding a tear over a sweeping romantic epic, Swiatek approaches everything with curiosity and heart.
As the BNP Paribas Open unfolds, all eyes will be on the Swiatek-Sakkari duel. Can Swiatek’s blend of technical refinement and newfound relaxation give her the edge? Or will Sakkari’s physicality and recent success in their rivalry prove decisive once again? One thing’s for sure: with both players at the top of their game, this is a match that promises drama, intensity, and perhaps a few surprises along the way.
For now, Swiatek remains focused but balanced, using her off-court passions to recharge for the battles ahead. As she prepares to step onto the court against Sakkari, fans and pundits alike are eager to see how her story at Indian Wells will unfold. The action is ongoing, and with so much at stake, the next chapter in this compelling rivalry is about to be written.