Iga Swiatek pays heartfelt tribute after death of her 17-year-old pet cat
Tennis fans worldwide are sending their condolences to Iga Swiatek, after she revealed the death of her beloved pet cat, Grappa, aged 17. Swiatek posted a heartfelt message alongside a childhood photo of herself with Grappa.
“Hope we gave you the best possible home a cat can have. Grateful that you gave us 17 years of unconditional love,” Swiatek wrote.
The 23-year-old Polish tennis star, currently competing at the 2025 Cincinnati Open, shared the emotional news via Instagram on August 8, coincidentally International Cat Day, sparking an outpouring of support from fellow players and fans.
The post quickly went viral, attracting over 200,000 likes and thousands of comments. Polish compatriot Magda Linette responded with crying and broken heart emojis, while fans from around the globe empathized, calling Grappa “family” and offering virtual hugs.
Grappa, named after the Italian liquor Swiatek enjoys, had been a constant in her life since childhood. The loss marks the end of a nearly two-decade bond.
Playing through grief at the Cincinnati Open
Despite the heartbreaking news, Swiatek remains focused on her tennis. As the third seed at the WTA 1000 event, she enjoyed a first-round bye before defeating Anastasia Potapova 6-1, 6-4. She is now set to face Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine in the third round. Fans are closely watching whether this emotional setback will impact her performance ahead of the US Open 2025.
Tennis stars and fans rally around Swiatek
The tennis community has a history of rallying behind players in personal hardship. Swiatek’s loss is another reminder that behind the titles and trophies are real lives, emotions, and relationships.
Social media has become a bridge between athletes and their fans, allowing supporters to share both moments of triumph and sorrow. For Swiatek, the wave of compassion reinforces her connection to her 2.3 million Instagram followers.
What’s next for Iga Swiatek?
With the US Open fast approaching, Swiatek will aim to channel her emotions into her on-court performance. The world No.1 remains one of the top contenders for the title, having already claimed multiple WTA trophies this season. While the loss of Grappa will undoubtedly leave a void, Swiatek’s resilience and professionalism are expected to shine through.
SportsLigue