Quote of the Day: Iga Swiatek tries to protect her privacy in Rome

ROME, Italy—Iga Swiatek earned a warm reception from fans at the Foro Italico on Thursday but the former world No. 1 admitted it’s a challenge balancing her public and personal lives at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia.

The No. 2 seed was fresh from an emphatic opening round win over Elisabetta Cocciaretto when she was asked about her go-to spots in the city, leading to a deeper discussion about paparazzi and personal space:

Q. What places do you like visit in Rome?

IGA SWIATEK: I have my restaurants, you know? But I’m not going to tell you the list. There are many Polish people in Rome, so I assume if I give you the list, they’re going to come to these places, and I want some peace.

I appreciate doing photos on site, but sometimes in the city, I’d rather just have a chill time.

Q. When you’re actually in Poland, what’s it like actually trying to keep that peace and what’s the extent of your privacy when you’re a public person?

IGA SWIATEK: In Poland, it’s not possible anymore, so I can’t really say how to do that because it’s just not possible. I’m spending more time in my apartment or at my friends’ apartments. I’m not really going out a lot because I know I’ll be watched.

Q. What’s it like when people photograph you?

IGA SWIATEK: I can accept it when it’s at work and I’m going to a practice and everything, but for example, when it’s close to my home and I’m having just to walk with a friend or with a family member, I’d rather them not do that because that’s my time off. I had an incident actually after Miami when I was home and paparazzi followed me almost to my apartment. I stopped them and said, “Ok, tomorrow I’m going to practice. You can take photos of me when I go there, but this is off-limits.” They kind of understand sometimes. I understand what their job is about and we can have a nice even collaboration if they want to be supportive and they understand.

Swiatek is coming off an emotionally trying week at the Mutua Madrid Open, where she suffered a shocking 6-1, 6-1 defeat to rival Coco Gauff and later revealed she was grieving the loss of her grandfather.

Back in Rome in her last tournament before Roland Garros, the former world No. 1 hopes a strong week will help her regain rhythm after a (relatively) underwhelming 2025 season. Her next match comes against No. 29 seed Danielle Collins this weekend.