"Makes no sense to talk about money... Completely different motivations" - Iga Swiatek refuses to consider trading 2024 earnings for Olympic gold

Iga Swiatek recently highlighted the difference between playing for your country at the Olympics and playing for money. The Pole scripted history recently, winning the first-ever tennis medal for her country at the Paris Olympics 2024. Coming into the event, Swiatek was considered a heavy favorite as the matches were played at Roland Garros, a venue she had been dominating for the past few years.

The 23-year-old was off to a phenomenal start, ousting Irina-Camelia Begu in straight sets. She continued her scintillating form, taking out Diane Parry and Wang Xiyu in the following rounds. Swiatek faced the eighth seed in the quarterfinals, however, the American had to retire in the deciding set, sending the Pole into the semifinals.

The top seed was stunned by eventual gold medalist Zheng Qinwen in straight sets as her dream to clinch the gold medal, and her 25-match winning streak at the venue came to an end. However, the World No. 1 defeated Anna Schmieldova 6-2, 6-1 to clinch bronze for her nation at the prestigious event.

Iga Swiatek sat down for a chat with SportoweFakty where she was asked if she would give up all the prize money she had earned in 2024 for an Olympic gold. She said that the two things were incomparable and that it would make no sense to replace her gold medal for money.

"I am not able to answer this question. It makes no sense to put such an achievement in any framework. It makes no sense to talk about money in this context."

Swiatek further explained how a player doesn't compete at the Olympics to earn money as both things require completely different motivations. She reiterated how the comparisons wouldn't make any sense and didn't feel an Olympic medal should be compared to any other achievement.

"You don't play at the Olympic Games for money, these are completely different motivations and goals.I am not able to answer this question. It makes no sense to put such an achievement in any framework. It makes no sense to talk about money in this context. You don't play at the Olympic Games for money, these are completely different motivations and goals."

Iga Swiatek will kick off her Cincinnati Open against Ajla Tomljanovic or Varvara Gracheva

Iga Swiatek (Image Source: Getty)

Iga Swiatek is set to kick off her North American hardcourt swing at the Cincinnati Open. She is the top seed due to which she will receive a bye in the opening round and will play the winner of the first-round match between Ajla Tomljanovic and Varvara Gracheva in her campaign opener.

Swiatek has a favorable 3-0 lead in her head-to-head against the Aussie and has won her only meeting against the French.

Iga Swiatek came close to winning the WTA 1000 last year but was defeated by eventual champion Coco Gauff in what is the only instance of the American defeating the Pole in their 12 meetings.