Iga Swiatek admits she wanted revenge vs Zheng Qinwen but highlights one other thing

Iga Swiatek admits she wanted revenge vs Zheng Qinwen but highlights one other thing

Iga Swiatek admits she was keen on getting “revenge” against Zheng Qinwen in Indian Wells but also tells her Chinese rival that it was “nothing personal” but only a competitive nature.

As you probably remember, the world No. 9 pulled off arguably one of the biggest upsets of 2024 after ousting the Polish tennis star 6-2 7-5 in the Paris Olympics semifinal.

Since the Olympics were held at the Roland Garros venue – the same place where Swiatek won the last three French Open editions – many had the 23-year-old as the major favorite for the gold medal at last year’s Summer Olympics. But then, Zheng ruined the 23-year-old’s plans big time and left her feeling evidently crushed afterward.

On Thursday, the five-time Grand Slam winner and the ninth-ranked Chinese met for the first time since August. And this time, it was the Pole who registered a straight-set 6-3 6-3 victory in the Indian Wells quarterfinal.

Swiatek: I wanted to have a little revenge, but it’s nothing personal
“For sure it does. I want to show myself and everybody that I can do it, and I already knew before the Olympics match, I know now, but yeah, it’s not nice to lose to anybody, so for sure you want to have a little like revenge, but it’s nothing personal. I think every player has that against everybody who they lose before,” the former world No. 1 admitted.

In her next match, Swiatek will be looking to complete another revenge mission since she plays against Mirra Andreeva – the same player who ousted her 6-3 6-3 in the Dubai quarterfinal last month.

“Mirra… In the last tournament we played, so for sure there is a lot to analyze and to learn from. Honestly, I’m not overthinking it now. I need to see who is gonna win and then I’m gonna prepare,” the defending Indian Wells champ said ahead of facing Andreeva.