Iga Swiatek was criticised after smashing a ball given to her by a ball kid (Image: SKY SPORTS)
has responded to the criticism aimed in her direction after she was involved in a furious incident with a ball kid at Indian Wells. It took place during her defeat to Mirra Andreeva, who went on to beat in the final. Swiatek was visibly frustrated during the match and struggled to control her temper as it progressed.
At one point, she was thrown a ball by a ball kid and furiously smashed it into the ground, prompting jeers from the fans in attendance. It landed in the stands but only narrowly missed the ball kid on its way over. The incident led to Swiatek being widely criticised on social media, .
Swiatek issued a firm response on Monday, taking to with a lengthy statement as she reflected on what happened and the criticism that followed.
Swiatek has given her side of the story in a lengthy Instagram statement (Image: GETTY)
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“I expressed frustration in a way I’m not proud of,” she wrote. “My intention was never to aim the ball at anyone but merely to release my frustration by bouncing it on the ground.
“I immediately apologised to the ball boy, we made eye contact and nodded to each other when I expressed regret that it happened near him. I’ve seen many players bounce balls in frustration, and frankly, I didn’t expect such harsh judgements.
“Usually, I control such impulses, so half-jokingly I can say I lack experience in this and misjudged my aim in the heat of the moment.”
Swiatek explained that she has gone through an ‘extremely challenging’ time following her positive doping test, which resulted in her accepting a one-month suspension. She missed three tournaments due to the ban, making it significantly harder for her to return to the top of the WTA rankings.
“This realisation deeply upset me,” added Swiatek. “You could see this on the court in Dubai. I know that playing while stuck in past frustrations, over things beyond my control, isn’t the right path.
“My team and I recognised this issue almost immediately (with their experience, probably faster than anyone could imagine), but shifting perspective takes significant time, effort and team support.”
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Swiatek went on to point the finger at those criticising her by accusing them of ‘creating theories’ and insisting the standards she is judged against are unhealthy.
“When I’m highly focused and don’t show many emotions on court, I’m called a robot, my attitude labelled as inhuman,” she said. “Now than I’m more expressive, showing feelings or struggling internally, I’m suddenly labelled immature or hysterical.
“That’s not a healthy standard, especially considering that just six months ago, I felt my career was hanging by a thread, spent three weeks crying daily and didn’t want to step on the court.
“Today, after everything I’ve been through, I’m still processing and coming to terms with those experiences. Will sharing this change anything? Probably not, because I clearly see how much we love judging, creating theories and imposing opinions on others.
“But perhaps a few people who genuinely want to understand what I’m experiencing will understand this. In any case, this external standard is definitely not my standard and I don’t accept my team and me being boxed into external expectations.
“Nevertheless, to those fans who truly support me, I deeply thank you and want you to know how grateful I am for your kindness.”