Iga Swiatek 'really happy' as she donates prize money to mental health charity after Ostrava loss to Barbora Krejcikova

Iga Swiatek has announced that she will donate her prize money as the runner-up at WTA Ostrava in support of a Polish mental health charity. Barbora Krejcikova, who won in Tallinn, Estonia last week, made it back-to-back titles on the WTA Tour as she clinched a thrilling 5-7 7-6(4) 6-3 victory in the showpiece match.

Ad Krejcikova ended up being a hugely popular winner in front of her home fans as she recovered from a set down to beat the world No. 1 in very impressive fashion.

WTA OstravaSwiatek stunned by Krejcikova in thrilling Ostrava Open final16 HOURS AGO For the usually dominant Swiatek, it was only her second loss in a final in her entire career. It was her first loss in a final since her maiden showpiece in 2019, having won her last 10 in a row.

«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,» Swiatek said. «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.» She added: «I'm pretty happy to use my position that way.» Way-too-early 2023 Grand Slam predictions: Will Nadal, Swiatek win more? 'Sky’s the limit' — Wilander and McEnroe predict how many Slams Swiatek will win Swiatek also recently made a stand as she withdrew from the Billie Jean King Cup and lamented a schedule on the women's tennis tour that she says is «not safe» for the players.

The 21-year-old told her fans that she was «very sorry», «disappointed» and «sad» to have to pull out of the competition, where she had been hoping to represent Poland once more. But she explained in a statement posted to her Instagram account that she would not be able to participate due to the condensed tennis schedule