'I didn't want to give points for free - it's a final at Wimbledon'

Iga Swiatek on her surreal win in an up-and-down year and post-match comments she found a little baffling

- Simon Cambers

In the coming months, if and when her schedule allows, Iga Swiatek will make a pilgrimage to London and the All England Club, scene of her biggest and, she admits, most surprising triumph.

In July, the 24-year-old won her first Wimbledon title and sixth grand slam title, crushing a hapless Amanda Anisimova 6-0, 6-0 in the final.

It was the undoubted highlight of an up-and-down year for the Pole, who struggled on her best surface of clay but who will end 2025 ranked No 2, her fourth year in a row finishing inside the world's top two.

It is a quirk unique to Wimbledon that the singles' champions are given honorary membership to the All England Club, granting them access any time they choose. Like many before her, Swiatek is keen to experience the sport's most storied venue when fans and her fellow players are not around.

"I wonder how it feels," she says. "I will be back for sure. I would love to. I have no idea how that works, though. I heard once Roger [Federer] wasn't let in when he didn't have a proper badge or something, so I would need to get ready." The Swiss was initially turned away in late 2022 when he did not bring his membership card.

So strong on clay, with four French Open titles in the past six years, Swiatek had previously regarded Wimbledon with caution, wary of the surface, unsure if her skills would translate. But after an unusually tough time on the red stuff, she gained extra practice by playing in a warm-up event in Germany and found her game to record a stunning triumph.