Top-ranked tennis star Iga Swiatek explains wearing tape over her mouth during bizarre practice session

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Top-ranked women’s tennis pro Iga Swiatek left social media users baffled last week when images of her practicing with her mouth taped began to circulate online. 

On Monday, Swiatek explained to the media that strange sight is actually just one of her many unique training methods. 

Iga Swiatek practices ahead of the Omnium Banque Nationale on Aug. 4, 2023. (Patrice Lapointe/ Tennis Canada via Omnium Banque Nationale)

"Honestly, I don’t get it either," the 23-year-old world No. 1 said with a laugh during a press conference ahead of the National Bank Open (Omnium Banque Nationale) in Montreal this week. 

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"It's harder to breathe when you're only breathing with your nose, and it's easier for my heart rate to go up. I think it has something to do with endurance, but I'm not going to explain it to you appropriately because I'm not an expert." 

The method, implemented by fitness coach Maciej Ryszczuk, helps to restrict Swiatek’s oxygen intake which helps to improve her endurance on the court, according to the WTA Tour’s website, and it is one of many unique training methods that are a part of Swiatek’s preparation. 

Iga Swiatek practices ahead of the Omnium Banque Nationale on Aug. 4, 2023. (Patrice Lapointe/Tennis Canada via Omnium Banque Nationale)

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She is the only player to travel with a full-time sports psychologist, according to the tour’s website, and her team uses special equipment to measure her brain and heart activity for stress indicators. 

"Sometimes I don't get the