Alex Corretja Defends Iga Swiatek: “A Great Player, but Very Sensitive”
Former world No. 2 and Eurosport pundit Alex Corretja has weighed in on Iga Swiatek’s recent statement addressing her on-court behavior, describing her as a “great player” but also “very sensitive.”
Swiatek’s comments followed a controversial moment during her loss to Mirra Andreeva at Indian Wells, where she forcefully hit a ball in the direction of a ball boy. The incident, along with other emotional reactions, has sparked criticism from tennis fans.
Corretja, a two-time Roland Garros finalist, shared his perspective on Swiatek’s candid reflection.
“It makes me feel sorry for her because she’s a lovely girl,” said Corretja.
“She’s a great player, but she’s also very sensitive. You can feel that she suffers from everything that is said about her, and I totally understand how she feels.
“I support her because I think she is a genuine and sincere person. It’s good that she speaks openly about it, that she shares how she feels.”
“Who Are We to Judge?”
Swiatek, a former world No. 1, has faced intense scrutiny from fans, particularly in recent months. However, Corretja believes people should be more understanding.
“Everyone talks and judges too quickly, but who are we to judge?” he questioned.
“We watch tennis matches, but we don’t know what’s happening in players’ lives, what they’re going through.
“Iga has had to endure a lot. Last year was incredibly difficult for her. But the fact that she speaks so openly says a lot about her character.”
Swiatek Responds: “I’m Not Proud of It”
After her Indian Wells defeat, Swiatek took to Instagram to express her emotions and clarify the situation.
“First, about the incident during my last match. It’s true – I expressed frustration in a way I’m not proud of,” she admitted.
“My intention was never to aim the ball at anyone but simply to release my frustration by bouncing it on the ground.
“I immediately apologized to the ball boy, we made eye contact, and I nodded to express my regret.
“I’ve seen many players bounce balls in frustration, and frankly, I didn’t expect such harsh judgments. Usually, I control these impulses, so half-jokingly, I can say I lack experience in this and misjudged my aim in the heat of the moment.”
The Emotional Toll of Her Doping Suspension
Swiatek also revealed how her one-month doping suspension in August profoundly affected her mindset and confidence.
“The second half of last year was extremely challenging for me, especially due to the positive doping test and how circumstances beyond my control took away my chance to fight for the highest sporting goals at the end of the season,” she explained.
“This forced me to rearrange certain things within myself. In Australia, I played without expectations, focusing only on my work. This approach helped me reach the semifinals.
“But in the Middle East, it hit me hard. My doping case, missing two key tournaments in October, and last year’s incredible results—winning four WTA 1000 events and a Grand Slam—continue to impact my ranking and have essentially taken away my shot at world No. 1.”
Despite the setbacks, Swiatek remains determined to fight through adversity and regain her best form.
