Iga Świątek donates Ostrava Open prize money to mental health charities

Iga Świątek will donate her runners-up prize money from the Ostrava Open to mental health charities in Poland.

The world number one was defeated by Barbora Krejčíková in a thrilling encounter in the Ostrava Open final.

Krejčíková came back from one set down to beat Świątek 5-7, 7-6, 6-3, delighting the home crowd at the ČEZ Aréna in the Czech Republic.

Despite losing out on the WTA 500 title, Świątek made a touching move after the final.

Świątek revealed she would be donating her prize pot – $71,960 (£65,000) – to non-profit organisations in Poland which focus on mental health issues.

“I really wanted to play well here to have a big amount of money to donate … and I’m pretty happy that I could do that,” she said in her post-match press conference.

“I really want to spread awareness and let people know that they can use the help if they need it, or help others if they have resources. I’m pretty happy to use my position that way.”

Pledging to donate her prize money to Polish non-profit organizations ahead of #WorldMentalHealthDay tomorrow