Nothing went Iga Swiatek's way in a shocking loss at the 2024 Dubai Championships semifinals that unlocked the fiery side of her emotions.
Swiatek was well beaten by Russian qualifier Anna Kalinskaya in straight sets. It was her first defeat of this year's Middle East swing, which prevented her from completing back-to-back title wins. This was also the 22-year-old's second loss in 26 matches dating to the back end of last year.
But it wasn't the result that was the most shocking outcome of this match, but Swiatek's on-court outburst. The Pole had dropped the first set 6-4 and had already lost serve to start the second set. After netting a routine return of serve, she threw her racket to the ground in disgust.
After noticing slight damage on the racket, Swiatek went to her chair to change it. Immediately, the chair umpire issued her with a code violation for racket abuse.
It's not uncommon for tennis players to let out frustration by damaging their wand, as it can help them reset. But it was so unlike Swiatek, who is so composed on the court and rarely reaches this level of emotional capitulation.
She huffed and puffed and managed to save a pair of match points. But despite breaking back at 3-5, Kalinskaya had the insurance of a double break and coolly served for a place in her maiden WTA final at the second attempt.
After the match, Swiatek bemoaned her loss and attributed it to fatigue. She was also critical of her own performance as she felt she couldn't implement her tactics on the court. Nonetheless, she reserved all the credit for Kalinskaya.
The 25-year-old will contest her first final on Saturday against Italy's Jasmine Paolini, who is also appearing in her first final at WTA 1000 level. Both players are projected to rise to career-high rankings regardless of the outcome.
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