WARSAW, Poland — While the global tennis season often takes a breath in December, World No. 2 Iga Swiatek used the hiatus to cement a legacy that extends far beyond the baseline. On Tuesday, December 16, at the elegant Hotel Verte in Warsaw, the six-time Grand Slam champion officially launched the next generation of Polish sporting excellence by presenting the inaugural Iga Swiatek Foundation Scholarships to five standout young athletes.
Established in July 2025, the eponymous foundation was born from Swiatek’s desire to provide a “safe space” for youth to pursue high-level passion with a focus on long-term well-being. The ceremony marked a major milestone in Swiatek’s philanthropic journey, transitioning from abstract vision to a tangible, 12-month support system designed to navigate the notoriously precarious transition from junior to professional sports.
A Holistic Approach to High Performance
The scholarship program is notably distinct from typical financial grants. While it provides nearly half a million Polish zloty (roughly $140,000) in combined funding, its true value lies in the “expert ecosystem” it provides. Starting in January 2026, the winners will gain unprecedented access to the same world-class team that powers Swiatek’s own career.
Recipients will receive mentorship and individual sessions with:
* Daria Abramowicz: Swiatek’s renowned sports psychologist, focusing on mental resilience.
* Maciej Ryszczuk: Her primary physiotherapist and fitness coach.
* Specialized Advisors: Experts in personal branding, public relations, and legal/tax navigation.
“I know from my own experience how critical both financial stability and professional knowledge are at the beginning of a career,” Swiatek said during the presentation. “Our goal is to help these athletes build not just successful careers, but sustainable and conscious ones.”
The Class of 2025: Diverse Talents
The five recipients were selected through a rigorous recruitment process that evaluated both athletic potential and personal values. The inaugural class includes:
* Ignacy Andrzejczak: A rising star on the track and the current U-20 national champion in hurdling.
* Wiktor Chmurski: A key member of the Polish junior national swim team with eyes on the 2028 Olympics.
* Liwia Kubin: A versatile powerhouse and multiple-time medalist at both junior and senior speed skating championships.
* Jan Pyla: Representing the next wave of Polish golf as a member of the junior national squad.
* Oliwia Sybicka: A local tennis phenom currently leading the PZT (Polish Tennis Association) U-16 rankings.
For Sybicka, in particular, the scholarship offers a rare opportunity to bridge the gap between national dominance and the international WTA circuit under the guidance of Poland’s greatest-ever player.
A Beacon for Polish Sport
As the 2025 season comes to a close—a year in which Swiatek captured her first Wimbledon title to complete a surface-sweep of major trophies—the foundation serves as a reminder of her commitment to her roots. By investing in diverse disciplines like golf and speed skating, she is fostering a broader culture of athletic excellence in Poland.
The scholarship program is more than a charitable donation; it is a blueprint for modern athlete development. By prioritizing mental health and personal branding alongside physical training, Swiatek is ensuring that the five athletes honored this week have the tools to survive—and thrive—in the high-pressure world of professional sports.