Iga Swiatek, a devoted Taylor Swift fan, breezed through her US Open first-round match on Tuesday, then congratulated the pop icon on her engagement to Travis Kelce.
Shortly after leaving Arthur Ashe Stadium following a decisive 6-1, 6-2 victory over Emiliana Arango, news of Swift and Kelce’s upcoming wedding reached Flushing Meadows, New York.
The 24-year-old Polish tennis star, ranked world number two and a favorite for a second US Open title, has long been a fan of Swift. Swiatek has previously shared how Swift’s music aided her English learning and guided her through adolescence.
Swiatek attended Swift’s lucrative ‘Eras Tour’ last year, catching a Liverpool concert after her French Open win, which earned her a personal congratulatory note from Swift.
Swift’s engagement was the hot topic at Swiatek’s post-match press conference, with the first nine questions focusing on the pop star and Kelce.
“I’m just happy for her, because she deserves the best,” Swiatek said.
“She’s had many boyfriends, so we all know about that. Hopefully, this is the one. Travis seems like a great guy. She seems really happy, and I’m happy for her. I wish them all the best,” she added.
Swiatek explained her “Swiftie” credentials, revealing she became a fan in 2014.
“I followed everything,” Swiatek said. “I kept up with her and fan pages for updates.
“I wasn’t a big fan of the ‘Reputation’ album initially, so I took a break.
“But in 2019, and when ‘Folklore’ and ‘Evermore’ came out during Covid, I started listening to Taylor again. It’s great. I like ‘Reputation’ now. Don’t worry.”
Swiatek expressed confusion over the “hate” Swift receives.
“I don’t get it, because she just makes our world better,” she said.
When a journalist requested to ask a “non-Taylor question,” Swiatek jokingly replied: “No.”
Swiatek’s Tuesday win made her the first woman to win 65 consecutive WTA-level first-round games, surpassing Monica Seles’ record of 64.
The six-time Grand Slam winner, who triumphed in New York in 2022, will face Suzan Lamens of the Netherlands in the second round.
