As the clay courts of Rome’s Foro Italico hum with the intensity of the 2025 Italian Open, World No. 2 Iga Swiatek has taken center stage—not just for her formidable forehand but for her fiery response to a viral rumor that swept social media over the weekend. Speculation that the four-time French Open champion was planning to skip Wimbledon to focus on clay and hard-court seasons sent shockwaves through the tennis community. On May 6, during a press conference in Rome, Swiatek firmly debunked the chatter, calling it “fake news” and expressing frustration with the misinformation that has plagued her season. Her candid remarks, laced with both humor and resolve, underscore her commitment to the grass-court Grand Slam and her determination to rise above distractions as she defends her Italian Open title.
The rumor, which gained traction after reports surfaced in Polish media, suggested Swiatek might bypass Wimbledon due to her packed schedule and a challenging 2025 season marked by a doping controversy and a coaching change. The 23-year-old, known for her dominance on clay, was quick to set the record straight. “Who said that?” she asked with a smile when questioned about the Wimbledon snub, her tone blending disbelief and amusement. “I’m not sure if it’s correct, but I read are you considering to skip Wimbledon? Shouldn’t believe this stuff,” she added, urging fans and media to dismiss the speculation. Swiatek’s exasperation was palpable as she addressed the broader issue of misinformation. “During the past few days, I saw like a million comments that were not true,” she said, highlighting how such rumors distort her focus as she navigates a critical phase of her career.
Swiatek’s 2025 has been anything but smooth. A positive test for trimetazidine, later attributed to contaminated melatonin, led to a doping saga that shook her confidence, while her split with coach Tomasz Wiktorowski added to the turmoil. Her Madrid Open semifinal loss to Coco Gauff, a crushing 6-1, 6-1 defeat, marked a low point, with Swiatek admitting she felt “out of sorts” on the clay she usually rules. Yet, her resilience shines through. With 22 career titles, including four at Roland Garros, and a 20-match winning streak at the French Open, Swiatek remains a favorite to reclaim her crown in Paris. Her arrival in Rome, where she’s won the last two titles, signals a return to form. “Of course I’m going to play Wimbledon,” she declared, dismissing any notion of skipping the grass season. “I just need to focus on the tennis and block out the noise.”
The Wimbledon rumor’s timing couldn’t have been worse, emerging just as Swiatek prepares for a grueling clay swing culminating at Roland Garros. The Italian Open, with its star-studded field including Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, and Naomi Osaka, is a crucial test. Swiatek’s first-round bye sets her up for a potential second-round clash with a qualifier, but her focus extends beyond the draw. She’s vocal about the toll of misinformation, particularly in her home country. “Han salido un millón de cosas sobre mí últimamente y no son ciertas,” she told reporters, her words resonating with fans who’ve seen her battle both on and off the court. Her smile during the presser, noted by observers, reflected a player refusing to let rumors derail her.
Swiatek’s grass-court record, while less dominant than her clay prowess, is respectable, with a 2023 Wimbledon quarterfinal and a 2021 junior title. Her commitment to the All England Club underscores her ambition to conquer all surfaces. As she prepares for Rome, her mental fortitude—honed through meditation and a tight-knit support team—will be key. “I’m here to play my game and enjoy the process,” she said, a reminder of her grounded approach. With the tennis world watching, Swiatek’s rebuttal of the Wimbledon rumor is more than a clarification—it’s a statement of intent from a champion ready to silence doubters with her racket.
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