Fans voice concerns for Australian Open star Iga Swiatek over worrying outbursts
Share and Follow

Tennis enthusiasts are expressing concern over Iga Swiatek’s recent emotional display, with the world No. 2 breaking into tears just days ahead of the Australian Open.

Swiatek, who added the Wimbledon title to her accolades last year by defeating Amanda Anisimova 6-0, 6-0 in the final, is poised to make history at the Australian Open as she aims to complete a career Grand Slam.

While world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, a two-time champion of the Australian Open, showcased her readiness by clinching her third consecutive Brisbane International title, Swiatek seemed to struggle during Poland’s journey to their first United Cup victory in Sydney.

Swiatek was visibly emotional, breaking into tears during the first changeover of her match against Australian teenager Maya Joint last Friday night.

The Polish tennis star’s tears were unexpected, especially as she had just broken Joint’s serve to take a 2-1 lead.

Iga Swiatek is pictured breaking down in tears after losing to Belinda Bencic in the United Cup

Iga Swiatek is pictured breaking down in tears after losing to Belinda Bencic in the United Cup

The world No.2 also burst into tears while beating Australia's Maya Joint (pictured)

The world No.2 also burst into tears while beating Australia’s Maya Joint (pictured)

Swiatek's behaviour has left her fans worried just days out from the Australian Open

Swiatek’s behaviour has left her fans worried just days out from the Australian Open

That prompted an outpouring of concern from fans on social media. 

‘I’m worried,’ one wrote.

‘I’m so stressed! I can’t even enjoy the match anymore,’ another added. 

‘Seeing Iga cry after that isn’t just sports; it’s the pressure cooker blowing up. We built her up too high. The hype machine demands perfection, and reality checks sting,’ wrote a third.

Swiatek also broke down after losing to Bencic, throwing her racquet across the court and crying once more.

She gave no explanation for her emotional outburst in the victory over Joint other than insisting there are no injuries six days out from the Open, with fatigue behind her suffering a rare bagel in a 3-6 6-0 6-3 submission to Bencic.

‘Everything is fine. Just super sore,’ Swiatek said.

‘First tournament of the year, it causes the body (to feel) a bit different. Different than during the season.

Swiatek will be seeking her seventh major title at Melbourne Park

Swiatek will be seeking her seventh major title at Melbourne Park

The 24-year-old has won every major title but the Australian Open crown has eluded her

The 24-year-old has won every major title but the Australian Open crown has eluded her

‘But I had similar experience last year also, so I’ll just get good recovery, a couple of days off.

‘Also, these team events, I really love them, but they really take a lot of energy from you.

‘So I still need to figure out how to balance that maybe in the future because I get so excited on the bench. It’s almost like playing a match, honestly.

‘Yeah, it’s all good. I for sure physically wasn’t in the second set the best version of myself. Belinda really used it to push me.

‘For sure, I’ll try to get that covered for Australian Open and we’ll see.’

Pressed on her uncharacteristic capitulation against Bencic, the United Cup’s MVP after winning all five of her singles matches and four out of five mixed doubles encounters, Swiatek said: ‘I’m still here. Nothing crazy happened.

‘I think it was a mix of me losing the intensity and I wasn’t feeling so sharp with movements and with my legs.

‘I wasn’t so precise anymore, physically, I would say.

‘Belinda is a very aggressive player when she gets in the zone. She can really hit amazing shots, not miss a lot. I think it was a mix of that.

‘Also credit to her because she was pretty brave with taking the risk and everything.’

Yet to reach an Australian Open final and with a relatively modest 22-7 win-loss record at Melbourne Park, Swiatek isn’t reading too much into her latest two losses.

‘For sure these are good matches to analyse against really top players,’ she said.

‘Especially Belinda likes to play on fast surfaces. It was a good test.

‘We’re going to work now to improve some elements that didn’t work this week.

‘Still not a lot of time for that if I also want to have some recovery days. This is how tennis is. You’ve got to go with the flow. We’ll see.’

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Dalton Smith Clinches Light-Welterweight World Title in Brooklyn: Celebrates Victory with Fans in True British Style

In a thrilling showdown in New York, British boxer Dalton Smith seized…

Thrilling FA Cup Clash: Manchester United vs Brighton LIVE – Kobbie Mainoo Debuts, Darren Fletcher Leads at Old Trafford

Here we go! How is everyone spending their Sunday afternoon? The weekend…

CALUM McCLURKIN: Market Uncertainty Surrounds Gold Cup and Its Reigning Champion

The recent cold snap has offered racing enthusiasts a chance to reflect…

Notre Dame Coach Marcus Freeman Faces Battery Allegations Following Wrestling Event Incident

Marcus Freeman, the head coach of Notre Dame, is currently under the…

Man United Caretaker Darren Fletcher Slams ‘Poor Refereeing’ in Heated Confrontation Following Disheartening Defeat

Darren Fletcher, acting as Manchester United’s interim manager, found himself in hot…