CHINA OPEN

October 3, 2026

Iga Swiatek

Mixed Zone

I. SWIATEK/Gao Xinyu

6-2, 6-3

Q. How is the first match back in Beijing, adjusting to the courts?

IGA SWIATEK: Yeah, for sure it was a solid match. Many long rallies. I'm happy about that because I had a chance to get the rhythm of the court, feel the ball.

For sure a good start. I'm happy to be back here.

Q. You got here pretty early, so you've been training on the courts. Is there ever a sense when you arrive early, you start chomping at the bit to get the tournament underway?

IGA SWIATEK: Yeah, I was kind of ready to start on Friday. Obviously you never know how the draw is going to look. So yeah, I was ready.

I'm happy that I had a chance to get through jet lag before the tournament started, because for sure this way is not easy.

Yeah, we had many practice days here, which was super positive because it's just easier a little bit to focus when I'm not home and I'm not busy, I'm just focusing on playing tennis. That's what happened here.

Q. After a tough showing at the Grand Slams this year, how are you looking to bounce back in Beijing and end the season strong?

IGA SWIATEK: That's the goal. Step by step. Doesn't matter honestly what happened on previous tournaments. Yeah, we're here.

Q. There are so many tennis fans cheering for you. Do you want to say something to them?

IGA SWIATEK: Yeah, I'm always in awe and surprised because I don't know what I did to deserve that here. For sure it's giving me a lot of energy, a lot of positivity knowing that they're behind my back and cheering for me.

It's pretty crazy. They're so, like, committed to being tennis fans. I love to see that because this is what can get us through at the end of the season to push even harder for them.

Q. Have you received some presents?

IGA SWIATEK: Yeah, many. Many, trust me. Mascots, long letters, little Igas printed in a 3-D printer. Many, trust me (smiling).

Q. The slams are done. There's obviously a lot to play for in terms of potentially equaling for the Finals. What is the outlook for the rest of the season?

IGA SWIATEK: For sure that's the goal. I'm going to be fighting for that. Obviously I'm aware.

But it doesn't change the fact that it still feels pretty far as there are many tournaments where you can gain many points.

I try to just take it step by step because if I'm focused only on the next match, this is where I perform my best. I've never been in this position, so for sure it's another experience in my career.

Q. Training with Rafa, you said a lot of times he's given you a lot of advice. How is that working out for you, trying to help you get back to the form you used to have?

IGA SWIATEK: Yeah, it was a great privilege to have him on the court. I'm still amazed. He's still, even though he's not playing anymore, a big inspiration for me. Having the opportunity was for sure great.

At the same time back in April I changed my coach, so I feel like he has more influence on me because we spend time every day on the court together. We try to change some stuff.

Obviously I know that he must have used it with Rafa, as well. So it's quite inspiring. I'm really grateful for the whole process.

Q. Aryna was saying since she's kind of motivated to retake the No. 1 since she's landed in China and she feels a lot more motivated than she has in the past playing through the last weeks of the season where maybe rankings were clinched. Do you feel a little bit of the same way, like there is something tangible for you to be playing for through the end of this year?

IGA SWIATEK: Yeah, my season wasn't super positive, so I feel there's a lot of space to go up. It's always a good feeling because you have something to work towards, too.

Yeah, I understand Aryna because when you're No. 1, yeah, you feel like everybody has target on your back. You just run away. You're being chased instead of chasing. I totally understand what she feels.

But obviously everybody has a different story. Doesn't make sense to compare.