Iga Swiatek wins Olympic bronze after gold medal heartbreak: ‘I cried for hours'

Iga Swiatek, the world No. 1, won the bronze medal match on Friday after a tough loss. Swiatek had been the favorite to win the gold medal in singles but was beaten in straight sets. On Friday, she recovered and won Poland’s first tennis medal. Swiatek reflected on the loss, realizing that she had been playing for everyone else’s expectations. She felt heartbroken and the pressure to wait another four years for a chance at the gold medal weighed on her. Swiatek’s vulnerability and honesty were a departure from her usual guarded demeanor. She talked about the emotional toll of her previous losses and her determination to work harder. Despite her success, she acknowledged that she is still learning about sports and herself. She mentioned Carlos Alcaraz as a role model for enjoying the game and handling the pressure.