Wimbledon 2019 – Iga Swiatek wildcard profile: A closer look at the Polish prodigy

The 18-year-old advanced all the way to the round of 16 at this year's French Open, where she was eventually halted by third seed Simona Halep

Iga Swiatek is the only non-British recipient of a wildcard for the main women’s draw. The 18-year-old also boasts the highest ranking of all the wildcard entrants, sitting at a career-high 65.

The Polish prodigy is tipped for greatness. She advanced all the way to the round of 16 at this year's French Open, where she was eventually halted by third seed Simona Halep. At the other slam this season, the Australian Open, she came through three rounds of qualifying to eventually reach the round of 64.

Defeat there was again to a more than respectable opponent, Italian star Camila Giorgi. Swiatek also reached her first WTA Tour final this season, progressing all the way in Lugano. She will look to extend this impressive big tournament record at Wimbledon.

She has strong prospects of doing so. Swiatek is the reigning Junior Wimbledon champion: past victors in this event include Martina Hingis and Amélie Mauresmo. While not all winners of the girls’ singles have gone on to achieve similar greatness, it is at least an indication of Swiatek’s strength on grass.

Her lack of preparation on the surface this year may come as something of a worry, but if her form for the other slams can translate on to her favourite surface then the Pole could be one to watch.

Best Wimbledon finish: Swiatek has never competed in the senior competition at Wimbledon before, either in qualifying or the main draw. However, she did triumph in the girls’ singles last year.

Grand Slam best: Swiatek’s round of 16 defeat to Simona Halep at Roland Garros earlier this month represents her best finish in a Grand Slam. This is a huge achievement for someone so young, reflected in her tournament prize money of approximately $280,000.

Highest ranking: Swiatek is ranked higher than ever before, sitting at 65 in the world rankings.

Current Ranking: 65

Age: 18

How did they perform last year? Swiatek was last year crowned Junior Wimbledon champion. She dropped just a single set throughout the entire tournament. It remains to be seen whether this can translate to success in the senior competition, which Swiatek has never previously entered, but given her strong form there are plenty of reasons to believe that it might.