Former World No. 1 Iga Swiatek posted a lengthy explanation on social media this week after the tennis pro faced fierce criticism over his nearly attacking the ball boy from frustration in the semi-finals at the BNP Pariba Open Tennis Tournament in Indian Wells, California last week.
In the third set of the match, the ball boy threw the ball in the direction of Sweet. She quickly returned to him.
Iga Swiatek hit Mirra Andreeva in the WTA semi-finals held at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California on Friday, March 14th, 2025. (image)
The ball hit the ground and deflected into the crowd behind the ball boy, prompting a harsh response from fans in the stands. The criticism continued on social media following Friday's match.
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On Monday, Swiatek answered with a lengthy post explaining the situation and calling the fan double standard.
“I see that there have been a lot of recent talk about my changes in behavior and emotions on the court. It's not comfortable to describe myself, but it's time to share perspectives that stop speculation and unfounded theory,” her post began.
“First, about the incident during my last match. That's true – I expressed my frustration in a way I wasn't proud of. My intention was not to aim for the ball to anyone, but to simply release my frustration by bouncing it off on the ground.
Swiatek said he saw many players “bomber the ball with frustration” and was surprised by the criticism she received.
Iga Swiatek will respond to Mirra Andreeva's points in the WTA semi-finals held at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California on Friday, March 14th, 2025. (image)
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“I didn't expect such a harsh judgment. Usually I'm in control of such an impulse, so I can say I'm half-joking and I have no experience with this.
Swiatek also lamented the “continuous judgment” she said she would take.
“When I'm very focused and don't show a lot of emotions in the court, I'm called a robot. My attitude is labelled as inhumane. Now I'm more expressive, I'm showing emotion and struggling internally, so I'm suddenly labelled immature or hysterically.
Iga Swiatek will appeal to the chair referee on Friday, March 14th, 2025 during his semi-final match against Mirra Andreeva at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. (image)
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Swiatek mentioned her recent doping scandal. In August, she tested positive for the banned substance Trimethazidine, or TMZ. The results of that test were published in November, and the International Tennis Integrity Agency accepted her explanation that the results were intentional and caused by contamination of the non-prescription drug melatonin, which had jet lag and sleep problems.
“After all that I have experienced today, I still process and agree with those experiences. Will this change change anything? Perhaps not, because I can clearly see that we are examining, creating theories and imposing opinions on others.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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