- Iga Swiatek has issued an apology to Donna Vekic
- She waved her hands at the Croatian during San Diego Open finals where Swiatek won
- This was yet another victory for her this season
Iga Swiatek has issued an apology to Donna Vekic for interfering with her play in the San Diego Open final.
The world No. 1 defeated the Croat in three sets to win her astonishing eighth trophy of 2022. She was, however, criticised for a moment during the match in which she waved her hands at Vekic while she was at the net.
Swiatek added another title to her fantastic 2022 campaign in San Diego. The top seed won the match 6-3, 3-6, 6-0 over Vekic, but she took some heat for a point many commentators saw as unsportsmanlike.
The 21-year-old was up a breakpoint in the second set when she charged the net during a rally, waving both arms in the air as Vekic attempted to return the ball. The 26-year-old won the point and the tiebreaker to take a 6-3 lead in the second set, but not before some fans voiced their displeasure with Swiatek’s behaviour.
Iga Swiatek. Photo by Eurosport
And it seems the Pole herself realised the potential for negative consequences from her actions, as she openly apologised to Vekic via Twitter.
“This is the best prize/trophy ever! Thank you San Diego for an amazing (cloudy) week and this unique vibe. I love it here,” she stated.
She congratulated Vekic for a great match saying she played a good game.
“And congrats @DonnaVekic for your amazing run! And sorry for waving my hands at the net.” While some were unhappy with what appeared to be an attempt to put Vekic off, Swiatek has also been praised for her decision to apologise.”
Former tennis player Pam Shriver said it was a good show that Swiatek apologized to Vekic adding that the impulsive wave was uncalled for. Shriver hailed the Pole for admitting fault and working to correct it terming it a sign of maturity.
But, TV sports director Matt Dowell criticised Swiatek’s actions, calling them “bush league” and “straight up obstruction.”
Meanwhile, as the world No.1 continues with her successful run in the 2022 season, she expressed concern over the calendar placement of Billie Jean King Finals.
Iga Swiatek . Photo/Getty Images
Swiatek, is dissatisfied with the future scheduling of tennis competitions stating that won’t participate in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in November.
Swiatek’s plan was to compete for Poland in the finals, which are scheduled to start in Glasgow on November 8. On the other hand, the WTA Finals that are being held in Texas are scheduled to end on November 7.
The three-time Grand Slam champion stated that the schedule “is not safe,” adding that it made her feel “sorry” that she would have to skip one event.
She wrote on her Instagram that she thought it through and discussed it with her team but the odds are against her. Thus, she won’t make it to the Glasgow event.
“I was thinking it through a lot and discussing it with my team, but I will not be able to play at the Billie Jean King Cup in Glasgow. It makes me sad. I’m very sorry, because I play for Poland whenever it’s possible and I always give it my best.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login