WTA world No.1 Iga Swiatek of Poland is one of just six athletes that made TIME magazine’s list of 100 most influential people in 2023.
At the young age of 21, Swiatek earned her place among global game changers such as Elon Mask and Beyoncé. When it comes to sports figures, the 2023 list also includes Lionel Messi, Mikaela Shiffrin, Kylian Mbappé, Brittney Griner and Patrick Mahomes.
TIME magazine’s annual list is divided into several categories and Swiatek is featured in the “Innovators” section. Alpine skiing champion Mikaela Shiffrin, who is included in the “Pioneers” category, explains what makes Swiatek so great in a short essay:
When Iga Swiatek plays tennis, three things come to mind: beauty, power, and truth. Throughout her rise to the top of tennis—and the top of sport—Iga has shown vulnerability and courage. […] As an athlete, and more importantly as a human, she embodies the kind of confidence that everyone should emulate—the confidence of action over mere talk.
(photo: Jimmie48)
