WATCH: Controversial scenes as Iga Swiatek angrily reacts to ball kid’s gesture, gets booed during Indian Wells SF loss to Mirra Andreeva
Iga Swiatek’s Frustration Boils Over in Indian Wells Semifinal Loss to Mirra Andreeva
Iga Swiatek struggled to contain her frustration during her semifinal defeat to Mirra Andreeva at the 2025 BNP Paribas Open, with a controversial outburst involving a ball kid drawing boos from the crowd.
The World No. 2 entered the match seeking revenge for her recent loss to the Russian teen at the Dubai Tennis Championships and was aiming to defend her Indian Wells title. However, Andreeva emerged victorious in a thrilling 7-6(1), 1-6, 6-3 battle, snapping Swiatek’s 10-match winning streak at the tournament and securing a spot in the final.
Swiatek’s Ball Kid Controversy Sparks Crowd Reaction
Despite dominating the second set to force a decider, Swiatek’s frustration reached a boiling point as she trailed in the third. In a moment of controversy, she aggressively smashed a ball given to her by a ball kid, sending it into the stands and prompting a negative reaction from the crowd.
Swiatek had previously voiced her complaints to the chair umpire, claiming the ball kids’ movements were distracting her while she waited for Andreeva’s serve.
Mirra Andreeva Eyes Indian Wells Title After Stunning Victory
Fresh off her first WTA 1000 title in Dubai, Andreeva kept her composure to eliminate the five-time Grand Slam champion and advance to the Indian Wells final. The 17-year-old will now face either Aryna Sabalenka or Madison Keys, who are set to clash in a high-stakes semifinal showdown.
Andreeva has a challenging history against both potential opponents—having lost her only previous match against Keys at Wimbledon 2023 and managing just one win in five encounters with Sabalenka.
Swiatek Shifts Focus to Miami Open
With her Indian Wells campaign cut short, Swiatek will set her sights on the Miami Open, which begins on March 18. The 2022 champion will be eager to bounce back after last year’s unexpected fourth-round exit to Ekaterina Alexandrova.
