'Not The Way To Support Me': Swiatek Sends Message To Part Of Her Fans
News
Iga Swiatek has elaborated on a recent social media post she made addressing some of her recent on-court behavior, saying some Polish fans do not support her in a helpful way.
Swiatek has built a reputation for being one of the calmest and most focused players on the WTA or ATP Tour, a mentality that has helped her become a five-time Grand Slam champion.
However, fans and analysts have noticed a change in Swiatek in the last few tournaments. She slammed her racket onto the ground when walking to her chair during a loss in the 2025 Qatar Open semifinal to Jelena Ostapenko.
Swiatek caused much more controversy in her loss to Mirra Andreeva at the 2025 Indian Wells Open. After being given a ball to serve, she slammed it back in the ball boy's direction. Fortunately, it bounced over him.
She also complained to the umpire and had a brief but heated exchange with her coach, Wim Fissette, during that match. Those kinds of actions are not what fans have become accustomed to seeing from the Pole.
After many, including some of her own fans, criticized Swiatek for her behavior against Andreeva, she posted a lengthy social media message about how she gets criticized for showing too little or too much emotion and cannot win no matter what.
Speaking to Sky Sports Tennis, Swiatek opened up further about her social media post and the complicated feelings she has about how some Polish fans talk about her on social media, although the four-time French Open champion tries to ignore those issues during tournaments.
"Well, I didn't want to explain myself I mean, I explained why my frustration is a bit higher than the past months. It's hard for me to say if it silenced the noise because during tournaments mentally I am off, I am not checking the internet. For sure, it's not easy in Poland, I think abroad people have much more distance to what is going on with players and athletes overall."
"At home (Poland), they like to focus on every little thing that went wrong, and I just wanted to let them know that this is not the perfect way to support me. But I know there are also some fans who are always supportive."
"To be honest, this post was also for them to explain why I was more frustrating during the last months, and also for me because I wanted to let go and focus on the future. So, I feel a bit better, and feel I can do my job and not be under so much pressure and scrutiny. So, it's nice and I'll try and enjoy this moment now, but I'll assess the situation after the tournament when I actually go on the internet."
Although the words might upset some of her very passionate Polish fanbase, Swiatek deserves credit for being refreshingly honest. She has spoken in the past about being an introvert, but seems increasingly comfortable with opening up in interviews.
