WTA Shockingly Caught Using AI Photos Of Iga Swiatek and Alexandra Eala

Journalist Ben Rothenberg made a startling discovery about the WTA's use of artificial intelligence (AI) to alter images of Iga Swiatek and Alexandra Eala.

Swiatek and Eala met again at the 2025 Madrid Open, less than a month after the Filipina's incredible 6-2, 7-5 victory against the five-time Grand Slam champion in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Miami Open.

An even bigger upset on the clay courts of Madrid looked possible when Eala took the opening set 6-4, but the Pole fought back to triumph in three sets and avoid ending her title defense in the round of 64.

Unsurprisingly, the WTA promoted the rematch between Swiatek, one of the most significant stars in women's tennis, and Eala, who rapidly gained popularity with her shock run to the semifinal in Miami.

However, experienced journalist Rothenberg noticed the WTA's use of AI in pictures of the two players and explained how he knew that was the case in an article on his website, BenRothenberg.com.

Rothenberg pointed to several factors to demonstrate that the WTA utilized generative AI in the pictures below. The first thing he mentions is the logo used on Swiatek's hat and how it does not correspond to the hat she wore in the real, non-AI altered picture.

The actual hat Swiatek wore at the Madrid Open featured the logo of her apparel sponsor, On, but the logo was different in the image used by the WTA, with Rothenberg noting that AI imaging often struggles most with symbols.

Another giveaway in Swiatek's image is her racket. The real picture of Swiatek has the brand name of her racket, Tecnifibre, clear and visible, and the world No. 2's right hand is not touching the racket.

The WTA's AI-altered version does not display the brand name as prominently and places Swiatek's right hand against the strings. It is unclear why the organization felt the need to change.

There is one more change Rothenberg noticed that was the most shocking of all. Swiatek's AI-modified picture has her teeth appear yellower and more crooked than they do in images without changes.

While players should not be negatively judged based on their teeth or other aspects of their appearance, altering Swiatek's teeth is undoubtedly unfair to her.

Rothenberg believes he found the original image of Eala, taken by a WTA photographer. The contrast between the two versions can also be viewed below. How different they are is immediately apparent.

Firstly, the Nike swoosh, one of the most well-known brand symbols in the world, is different in the AI version. It is more of a straight line and does not closely replicate the original picture.

Secondly, Eala's sleeve sponsors, Globe Telecom and Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), have been completely altered in the AI-generated photo, something the companies are unlikely to be happy about due to the money spent on being a sponsor.

Finally, Eala's fingers are a different shade in the two pictures. The use of AI is likely to irritate many fans, but such minor, pointless changes are particularly strange and hard to understand.

Rothenberg later updated the article to note that the WTA had changed and replaced the AI-generated images with a real picture of Swiatek. Hopefully, the governing body avoids using generative AI in the future.