The grass courts of Bad Homburg, Germany, bore witness to a poignant moment on June 28, 2025, as Iga Swiatek, the world’s No. 4 tennis star, stood at the runner-up ceremony, her eyes glistening with tears. The Polish sensation, a five-time Grand Slam champion, had just fallen 4-6, 5-7 to American Jessica Pegula in the final of the Bad Homburg Open, her first grass-court final and a chance to end a 13-month title drought. The defeat stung, marking her second loss in a WTA final since May 2024, but Swiatek’s emotional response and reflective words revealed a champion undeterred, finding hope amid heartbreak as she sets her sights on Wimbledon.
Swiatek’s journey to the Bad Homburg final was a testament to her growth on grass, a surface that has historically challenged her clay-court dominance. Known for her relentless baseline game and topspin-heavy forehand, she adapted impressively, navigating a tough draw with wins over players like Jule Niemeier and Angelique Kerber. The final against Pegula, the No. 3 seed, promised a clash of styles—Swiatek’s precision against Pegula’s flat, aggressive ball-striking. The first set was a tight affair, with Swiatek breaking early but faltering in the 10th game, allowing Pegula to clinch it 6-4. The second set saw Swiatek lead 5-4, but Pegula’s clutch play, saving break points and capitalizing on errors, sealed the 7-5 victory after 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The emotional weight of the loss was palpable. As Swiatek accepted her runner-up trophy, tears streamed down her face, a rare display of vulnerability from a player known for her steely resolve. “This tournament proves that there is hope for me on grass,” she said with a bittersweet laugh during her speech, her voice cracking but her spirit unbroken. The comment resonated with fans, who flooded social media with support, noting her progress on a surface where she’s yet to win a title. Posts on X captured the sentiment, with one user writing, “Iga’s tears show how much she cares, but her run here is a big step for Wimbledon.”
Swiatek’s 13-month title drought—her last triumph was at Roland Garros 2024—has been a focal point, but her Bad Homburg performance signaled a resurgence. Her semifinal win over Kerber, a former Wimbledon champion, showcased her improved movement and serve on grass, where she won 68% of her first-serve points in the tournament. “I’m really proud of my performance this week,” Swiatek said post-match. “Grass is tricky, but I felt more comfortable with every match.” Despite the loss, her run ensures a return to the WTA Top 4 before Wimbledon, a boost as she prepares to face former champion Elena Rybakina in her opener on July 1.
Pegula, meanwhile, celebrated her second grass-court title, adding to her 2023 Eastbourne triumph. Her ability to neutralize Swiatek’s power with precise, low shots underscored why she’s a Wimbledon contender. “Iga’s game is so tough, especially coming off clay,” Pegula said. “I had to stay aggressive and take my chances.” The American’s victory, her sixth career title, positions her as a dark horse for the All England Club, where she faces Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round.
Swiatek’s tears were not just about defeat but the weight of expectation. At 24, she’s already a clay-court legend, but grass remains her frontier. “There’s hope for me,” she reiterated, a mantra that carries her into Wimbledon, where she’s yet to reach a final. Her emotional honesty endeared her to fans, who see her vulnerability as a strength. As she gears up for Rybakina, a rematch of their 2023 Australian Open epic, Swiatek’s Bad Homburg journey—marked by tears, growth, and resilience—sets the stage for a Wimbledon campaign that could finally see her conquer the grass.
No Iga please don’t cry😭😭😭 you made me cry😭💔 you made it to a grass tournament final❤️ we are soo proud of you❤️ pic.twitter.com/UakXJ1EcPd
— Iga Swiatek Updates (@IgaUpdates_) June 28, 2025
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