Swiatek swats down Wimbledon defection rumours

Iga Swiatek is front and centre as the Rome Masters began on Tuesday, with the five-time Grand Slam winner laughing off reports that she will skip Wimbledon.

The WTA No. 2 is coming off a poor performance in Madrid, where she lost in a dramatic semi-final to Coco Gauff, winning just two games.

The tearful player admitted she was tired as she left Spain, her immediate intentions unclear. 

But the 23-year-old appeared to be back on form at the Foro Italico, dismissing the rumours that she will miss the grass-court major at the All England Club which begins next month.

“During the past few days I saw a million comments that were not true.” she said in the Italian capital.

“There are so many theories right now, I would say especially in Polish media about me, that are not true.

“You guys like to make some articles that will attract people. I get it. It’s part of the job.”

Swiatek has not won a title since lifting her third in a row and the fourth in five years at Roland Garros on the French clay.

The former junior champion declared: “For sure I’m not going to skip Wimbledon.

“I really want to learn how to play on grass better. Every year is another opportunity. I will play Wimbledon, for sure, unless I get injured.

“Despite the recent lack of trophies, Swiatek is still riding a wave that would be the envy of most, reaching the quarters or better at every event she has played this season.

“But for sure I want to also win some tournaments. That’s also the goal.”