Tennis star Iga Swiatek expressed regret while confessing to taking Wimbledon souvenirs, specifically towels, for her friends and family members.
The world No. 4 comfortably defeated Polina Kudermetova with a score of 7-5, 6-1 on Court 2 earlier this week.
This victory marks her fifth time advancing to the second round at Wimbledon.
Following her match, Swiatek openly confessed to collecting towels from the All England Club over the years, primarily as gifts. She elaborated, “Honestly, it`s something nobody really discusses. We genuinely love these towels. After every Grand Slam, I feel like I have about twenty people – friends and family – asking for them.
“So, yeah, apologies everyone, especially Wimbledon. I wasn`t sure if this was even allowed!
“I`ve accumulated quite a collection at home, honestly. I don`t personally need many more. If I continue playing for another 15 years, I can`t even picture how many I`d have.
“I might need to dedicate a whole new room in my house just for my Grand Slam towel collection.”
The 24-year-old Swiatek, seeded eighth for the championships, is scheduled to face Caty McNally in the subsequent round.
She also commented on the weather, expressing relief for a predicted temperature drop after the hot opening days in London SW19.
Regarding the playing conditions, the Polish star stated, “Competing in this heat… I`m glad some clouds appeared.
“Today was quite challenging… I wasn`t sure how I`d get through it.
“As tennis players, we have to be prepared for everything – rain, heat, you name it. Especially here in the UK, right?”
