Iga Swiatek's laser focus at Grand Slams means she barely gets to celebrate her wins, but the French Open top seed says she is learning to mix business with pleasure, after reaching the semi-finals at Roland Garros.
The Polish world No.1 overcame an early test on a windy centrecourt to move past sixth seed Coco Gauff 6-4 6-2 and celebrated the win by pumping her fists in an emotional release that was missing from her previous matches.
"I'd say I'm that a player who still has to learn to enjoy playing and winning, because when I finish matches, I usually just think about the next one," she said. "The moments of enjoyment are usually after the tournament.
"I hope I'm going to progress. We play many tournaments throughout the year and I learned how to also just be happy.
"Today, I'm not going to think about tomorrow's match until the rest of the evening. I'm just going to enjoy that I won.
"These are the small things that help you keep a more positive attitude and energy, but usually with me, it's all about business and then I'll enjoy."
Swiatek will face Beatriz Haddad Maia in the last four, after the world No.14 defeated Ons Jabeur to become the first Brazilian woman since Maria Bueno in 1968 to reach a Grand Slam semi-final.
Haddad Maia overcame Swiatek in three sets on the hardcourts of Toronto last year and the Pole is aware of the big challenge ahead of her.
"For sure, she's a fighter and she showed, even today, she's fighting until the last ball," Swiatek said. "It pays off.
"We played in Toronto and I would say, actually, this was one of the matches that had similar conditions in terms of the wind. It was also windy that day.
"Obviously, the surface is different, so we'll see. I've never played against her on clay.
"Again, as before any other match, I'll focus on myself and what I want to do on court."
Reuters
