“[J]ust six months ago, I felt my career was hanging by a thread, spent three weeks crying daily, and didn’t want to step on the court,” she said. “Today, after everything I’ve been through, I’m still processing and coming to terms with those experiences.
“Shifting perspective takes significant time, effort, and team support,” she added, while pointing out double standards she feels she’s been subjected to.
“When I’m highly focused and don’t show many emotions on the court, I’m called a robot, my attitude labeled as inhuman,” Swiatek said. “Now that I’m more expressive, showing feelings or struggling internally, I’m suddenly labeled as immature or hysterical. That’s not a healthy standard.”
An advocate for mental health and wellness for the entirety of her professional career, Swiatek said she remains committed to positive personal development, even in the face of falling short of expectations.
“Working on oneself isn’t something you achieve once and keep forever. Sometimes we take two steps forward and one step back,” Swiatek said. “It’s never easy, and it’s particularly challenging for me right now. … I truly believe that even if I occasionally take two steps forward and one step back, I’ll reach these goals at my own pace.”
