Who is Iga Swiatek’s father? Tennis champ opens up on dad’s Olympic history after defeating Sorana Cirstea in Korea

Iga Swiatek’s latest victory at the Korea Open 2025 is making headlines not just for her dominant play but for a heartfelt family story. The Polish tennis sensation eased past Sorana Cirstea in Seoul and then surprised fans by linking the moment to her father’s Olympic past.In a very commanding performance on Thursday, September 18, Iga Swiatek once more showed exactly why she is one of the most stable players in the WTA. The World No. 2 was nothing short of brilliant during her match with Sorana Cirstea. She wrapped up the encounter 6-3, 6-2, in just over 90 minutes.Right from the first game, Swiatek was the one controlling the rallies as she gained the early break of Cirstea's serve and set the pace with her trademark heavy forehand. In the second set, the 23-year-old seemed unstoppable as she made her break points with no difficulty and took her head-to-head record against the Romanian to 5-0.After the match ended, Iga Swiatek revealed something that fans never saw coming. In her post-match interview, Iga said that her father, Tomasz Swiatek, was also connected to the Olympics and participated in Seoul in 1988. She further said that her father was a professional rower for Poland.Growing up, Iga heard countless stories about her dad’s Olympic adventure. Standing on the same Olympic grounds decades later, she described it as a surreal “full-circle” moment.Speaking courtside, Swiatek explained the connection.“So, I'm happy to explore this city. He's been talking about being here as a great adventure. I play a different sport. Still, we're at the Olympic venue,” she said. “This event is the best the world has in any area. Playing here for sure is an honour."She even hinted that maybe her dad could join her in Seoul next year, a family reunion fans would definitely love to see.With 24 singles titles and more than $42 million in career earnings, she’s no stranger to pressure. But this week in Seoul, the storyline is personal as much as professional.Win or lose, Swiatek’s Korea Open run has already become about more than tennis; it’s about a father’s Olympic past colliding with a daughter’s present-day dominance.