WTA Legend Steps In: Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz Get Surprising Support Amidst Ongoing Struggles

**Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz Defended Amid Challenging Season by WTA Legend**
Despite a season marked by Grand Slam victories, Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz have faced intense scrutiny due to unexpected defeats and fluctuating performances. Swiatek, after a strong start to the year, claimed an Olympic bronze but fell short of her goal for gold.

Her abrupt coaching change from Tomasz Wiktorowski to Wim Fissette added to the unpredictability of her season, further amplified by a loss to Coco Gauff at the WTA Finals. Alcaraz, on the other hand, experienced a mental and emotional toll after his US Open exit and a hard-fought gold medal match loss to Novak Djokovic in Paris. Despite winning titles at the French Open and Wimbledon, his struggles with mental exhaustion became evident, as seen in his outburst at the US Open.

However, former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez has come to their defense, urging fans to maintain perspective. She reminded critics that even world-class athletes like Swiatek, ranked second globally, and Alcaraz, a top contender, are not immune to challenges.

Speaking to *Onet*, Martinez emphasized the importance of uplifting players during tough times rather than berating them for occasional setbacks. She highlighted their resilience and capability to rebound stronger, stressing that a single loss doesn’t diminish their remarkable achievements.

As both players aim to close the year on a high note, Martinez’s remarks serve as a powerful reminder of the pressures elite athletes face and the support they deserve.