World No. 1 tennis champion Iga Swiatek has shared heartbreaking news with her fans—her beloved pet cat, Grappa, has passed away at the age of 17. The Polish tennis star took to Instagram to post a touching tribute, celebrating the years of unconditional love and companionship she received from the feline who had been by her side since childhood.
Swiatek’s message was simple yet deeply emotional:
“Hope we gave you the best possible home a cat can have. Grateful that you gave us 17 years of unconditional love.”
Alongside these heartfelt words, she posted a series of photos with Grappa—capturing moments from her younger years through to the present. For her fans, it was not just an announcement of loss, but a window into a personal side of the star rarely seen on the tennis court.
A Lifelong Companion
Grappa entered the Swiatek household when Iga was still a young girl, years before her rise to the pinnacle of professional tennis. Over nearly two decades, the cat witnessed Iga’s growth from an ambitious junior player to a four-time Grand Slam champion and the dominant force in women’s tennis.
Having a pet for 17 years is an extraordinary bond—one that spans life stages, transitions, and countless milestones. For Swiatek, Grappa was more than a pet; she was a constant source of comfort amid the pressures of the professional tennis circuit. Whether celebrating victories or dealing with defeats, Swiatek could always return home to her loyal friend.
Fans Share in the Mourning
The news of Grappa’s passing quickly spread across tennis communities online, with an outpouring of condolences from fans and fellow players alike. On Reddit’s tennis forum, one fan commented, “17 years, what a ride. She must have been such a part of your life.” Another added, “Losing a pet you’ve had since childhood is like losing a family member.”
Many fans expressed how deeply they could relate to Swiatek’s grief, noting that the longevity of the bond made the farewell even more bittersweet. Some shared their own experiences of losing longtime pets, underscoring how such losses leave lasting emotional imprints.
Beyond the Court – A Glimpse into Swiatek’s Personal Life
Swiatek is known for her focused and often intense demeanor during matches, but moments like these remind fans of her humanity beyond the spotlight. Her tribute to Grappa shows that even the fiercest competitors have tender spaces in their hearts reserved for love and loss.
The tennis star has often spoken about the importance of balance in her life—maintaining hobbies, friendships, and personal connections to keep her grounded in the high-pressure world of professional sports. Grappa, it seems, was an integral part of that balance, offering her a sense of home and emotional stability.
The Lasting Impact of a Pet’s Love
Pets have an uncanny ability to become silent witnesses to our lives, sharing in our daily routines and being there in moments big and small. For Swiatek, Grappa was a steadfast companion for the majority of her life. That kind of relationship leaves a legacy—one that is felt long after a pet is gone.
As Swiatek prepares for the next phase of her career without her longtime furry friend, fans will undoubtedly continue to show their support. While victories and trophies will continue to define her professional journey, Grappa’s memory will remain a cherished part of her personal story.
In the end, Swiatek’s heartfelt tribute serves as a reminder that love—whether from a person or a pet—can span decades and shape who we are. Grappa’s 17 years with her family were not just a blessing to Iga, but also a testament to the enduring bond between humans and their animal companions.
