In a twist that seemed to mix triumph with turbulence, Iga Swiatek just etched another chapter in her legacy — after the Wuhan Open, she officially leapfrogged Venus Williams to claim the No. 2 spot on the all-time WTA prize money list.Still, her path to this milestone was anything but smooth.
💰 Milestone With A Cost
Swiatek’s run to the quarterfinals in Wuhan earned her $83,250, enough to push her total earnings to $42,945,490, just ahead of Venus’s $42,867,364. In doing so, she joined an elite club — now only Serena Williams stands above her in career prize money.\
This financial feat underscores not just her success — but her consistency across surfaces, years, and eras.
⚡ The Downfall That Shook Confidence
The celebration was dampened when Jasmine Paolini stunned Swiatek in straight sets, ending her Wuhan run in just 65 minutes. It was Paolini’s first win against the Wimbledon champion — a loss few saw coming.
Swiatek, usually fierce and composed, looked off-balance. Her serve lacked fire, her timing seemed disconnected, and Paolini’s aggression only magnified the cracks. The defeat was swift and cruel — a reminder that even champions can falter when the pressure mounts.
🔄 Poland’s Flag, Her Next Battlefield
Amid the shock, Swiatek is already planning a comeback on her own terms. She confirmed that her first tournament for 2026 will be at the United Cup — and Poland, featuring Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz, has become the first nation to commit. She’ll lead her country again, turning individual ambition into national pride.
Her commitment to the team event suggests she’s seeking more than just personal glory — she wants resonance, legacy, and perhaps redemption.
