In a sport defined by precision and discipline, world No. 1 Iga Swiatek continues to prove that innovation and creativity can make all the difference. During her practice sessions at the Wuhan Open, the Polish superstar caught everyone’s attention with a rather unusual routine — performing a full 360-degree spin after nearly every shot.
At first glance, the move seemed downright wacky. But according to tennis coach Ashley Neaves, it’s far from pointless. Neaves, a respected LTA Level 4 Accredited Coach, broke down Swiatek’s method in a detailed post on his Tennis Mentor Instagram account — and his explanation left many fans fascinated.
“There are several clips of Iga doing unique exercises before and during training,” Neaves said. “After every rally shot, she spins completely around. Most people assume it’s silly, but it’s actually brilliant.”
According to Neaves, the spinning drill activates the vestibular system — the part of the inner ear that helps with balance and spatial awareness. By forcing her brain and body to adjust quickly after the spin, Swiatek is effectively training her reaction time, coordination, and balance — vital traits for elite-level tennis.
“These kinds of exercises take players out of their comfort zones,” Neaves explained. “It’s what makes her such a complete athlete. And let’s be honest — it keeps training fun, too.”
The viral practice footage quickly spread across social media, sparking debates among fans and players alike. But as Neaves noted, the science behind Swiatek’s “wacky warm-up” is solid — it helps fine-tune mental sharpness and body control, especially under pressure.
Off the court, Swiatek continues her stellar season with eyes firmly set on the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia, where she’s aiming for yet another title to cap off an extraordinary year. The 24-year-old already sits second on the all-time WTA prize money list, surpassing legends like Venus Williams, with career earnings topping $42.9 million.
Her 2025 campaign has been one for the record books — earning over $9.4 million so far, including a huge payday from her first Wimbledon title and a dominant win at Cincinnati.
While some might laugh at her spinning drills, Swiatek’s results speak louder than any critic. Her mix of discipline, curiosity, and playfulness keeps her one step — or spin — ahead of the rest.
Moral of the story? Sometimes, a little madness makes a champion.
