Iga Swiatek now holds the second-highest career prize money total in WTA history, surpassing Venus Williams — yet her stunning loss to Jasmine Paolini at the Wuhan Open has sparked whispers: is her reign under pressure?
💎 Milestone Money Moment
Thanks to a quarterfinal run in Wuhan, Swiatek pocketed $83,250, pushing her career earnings to $42,945,490 — just enough to edge ahead of Venus’s $42,867,364. She now trails only Serena Williams in the all-time earnings ranks.
It’s a historic benchmark, affirming not just her titles, but her consistency across surfaces and seasons.
⚡ The Loss That Changed the Mood
But the financial headline was overshadowed by her exit in Wuhan. In straight sets, Jasmine Paolini defeated Swiatek 6-1, 6-2 — her first career win over the Polish star after six failed attempts.
The match lasted just 65 minutes, with Swiatek visibly off her game and unable to mount resistance.
The upset has become one of the most talked-about defeats of her 2025 season, fueling speculation about cracks in her dominance.
🔍 What’s Behind the Fall?
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Some analysts point to mental and physical fatigue — the grind of the season catching up with her.
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Her record vs. top opponents in 2025 has wavered more than expected, raising questions about consistency under pressure.The timing is tricky: the earnings milestone is sweet, but a high-profile defeat tempers celebration.
🌱 What’s Next for Her Legacy
Swiatek is already eyeing the future. The question now:
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Can she reestablish momentum in her next tournaments?
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Will she lean into her experience, or make technical adjustments to get sharper?
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Can she ensure that the earnings milestone becomes a stepping stone — not a peak — in her career?
