Iga Swiatek named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2023

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World No. 1 Iga Swiatek has been named one of Time’s 100 most influential people of the year, according to the publication’s list announced on Thursday.

The list, now in its twentieth year, recognizes the impact, innovation and achievement of the world’s most influential individuals, including athletes, actors, businesspeople and more. Swiatek was listed among the Innovators, a category that also recognizes the likes of Bob Iger, the CEO of Disney, and actress Natasha Lyonne.

Swiatek, who won two Grand Slams and lifted four WTA 1000-level trophies during a dominant 2022 season, received an effusive tribute penned by champion skier Mikaela Shiffrin—who herself was named on the list under Pioneers.

As an athlete, and more importantly as a human, she embodies the kind of confidence that everyone should emulate—the confidence of action over mere talk. Mikaela Shiffrin on Iga Swiatek

“Throughout her rise to the top of tennis—and the top of sport—Iga has shown vulnerability and courage,” Shiffrin wrote.

“She strives relentlessly to improve her game. She gives credit to those who have supported her, without discounting her own skills and work.”

“I [100%] have never thought that something like this will happen to me,” Swiatek posted. “Thank you TIME for this incredible honor and recognition. And thank you Mikaela Shiffrin for your words. It means a lot.”

Other athletes on this year’s list include Kylian Mbappé, Brittney Griner, Patrick Mahomes and 2022 World Cup champion Lionel Messi—who was honored with a note penned by former world No. 1 Roger Federer.

My career has just come to an end. I now realize how much weight we athletes carry. But in our daily lives, we don’t even realize it. For a football player like Messi, that weight likely feels more massive... Roger Federer on Lionel Messi

“What stands out to me about Messi, 35, is his consistent greatness over so many years. This is so difficult to achieve, and then maintain,” Federer wrote, before comparing the Argentine's soccer skills “art”.

The Swiss champion knows a thing or two about what it takes to stay at the top of a sport. For decades Federer reigned supreme on the ATP Tour, racking up 20 Grand Slam singles titles before injuries took their toll on the 41-year-old, who retired at last year’s Laver Cup.