Iga Swiatek to donate Ostrava prize money to Polish mental health charity

From her vocal support for Poland’s neighbor, Ukraine, in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion in February to advocacy for mental health, Iga Swiatek hasn’t been shy about using her platform as WTA world No. 1 for good.

The latest iteration of that commitment came Sunday in Ostrava: After finishing as runner-up to Barbora Krejcikova at the WTA 500 event, Swiatek said on-court in a heartfelt speech in Polish that she’ll be donating her prize money to a mental health charity in honor of World Mental Health Day, which is celebrated each year on Oct. 10.

It’s not the first time that Swiatek’s contributed financially in support of World Mental Health Day. A year ago, and before she reached world No. 1, Swiatek donated $50,000 of her prize money from the rescheduled BNP Paribas Open. She has been vocal about the importance of mental health since she burst onto the scene by winning Roland Garros in 2020, where she was open about her work with sports psychologist Daria Abramowicz.

While Swiatek has yet to announce what charity will receive the contribution, she says she has a few in mind.

“I really wanted to play well here to have a big amount of money to donate … and I’m pretty happy that I could do that,” Swiatek added in her post-match press conference, as per the WTA.

“I really want to spread awareness and let people know that they can use the help if they need it, or help others if they have resources. I’m pretty happy to use my position that way.”