Iga Swiatek Responds to Ball Kid Incident and Social Media Backlash
Iga Swiatek has addressed the criticism surrounding her heated moment with a ball kid during her Indian Wells loss to Mirra Andreeva. Frustration boiled over for the world No. 1 as the match slipped away, leading to an incident where she forcefully bounced a ball into the ground. The ball ricocheted into the stands, narrowly missing the ball kid, drawing jeers from the crowd and backlash online.
In response to the widespread criticism, Swiatek took to Instagram on Monday, offering a detailed reflection on the incident.
“I expressed frustration in a way I’m not proud of,” she admitted. “My intention was never to aim the ball at anyone but to release my emotions by bouncing it on the ground. I immediately apologized to the ball boy, and we acknowledged each other when I expressed my regret. I’ve seen many players do the same, so I didn’t expect such harsh judgment.”
Swiatek also opened up about the personal struggles that have impacted her mindset on court. She referenced her recent one-month suspension due to a positive doping test, which sidelined her from three tournaments and complicated her return to top form.
“This realisation deeply upset me,” she shared. “You could see it in Dubai. Playing while stuck in past frustrations isn’t the right path, and my team and I have been working through it. But shifting perspective takes time and effort.”
She also called out the double standards in how she is perceived.
“When I’m calm and composed, I’m called robotic. When I show emotion, I’m labeled immature. That’s not a healthy standard,” Swiatek said. “Six months ago, I felt my career was hanging by a thread. I spent weeks crying daily, unsure if I even wanted to step on the court again. Now, I’m still processing those experiences.”
Despite the scrutiny, she remains focused on her journey, thanking the fans who continue to support her.
