World No. 2 Iga Swiatek has increased security measures during the Miami Open following a disturbing incident where she was harassed during a practice session. The situation arose after a man made personal comments regarding Swiatek’s relationship with her mother, shouting remarks that were deemed inappropriate. Despite her advancing to the fourth round with a victory over Belgium’s Elise Mertens, this incident has cast a shadow over her performance.
Swiatek’s team immediately reported the harassment to the tournament officials, resulting in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) enhancing security for the Polish player in light of the rising safety concerns for female athletes. Daria Sulgostowska, Swiatek’s public relations manager, emphasised that the protection of players is of utmost importance.
In the wake of the Miami Open, Swiatek has also faced scrutiny over her on-court behaviour, particularly following a previous incident at Indian Wells where she expressed her frustrations after a semi-final match. In a detailed Instagram post, she defended her actions, which drew backlash, especially from Polish commentators. Swiatek indicated that criticism can be more intense in her home country, where people tend to focus on her missteps rather than supporting her.
She acknowledged the discrepancy in how her performance is perceived abroad compared to Poland, noting that international audiences are often more forgiving of athletes’ shortcomings. Swiatek expressed a desire for her supporters to adopt a more constructive approach rather than fixating on perceived failures.
This latest occurrence adds to a growing list of security issues in tennis, underscoring the need for enhanced safety protocols for players, especially women. Previous incidents, such as former US Open champion Emma Raducanu confronting a stalker during a match, highlight the challenges faced by female athletes on and off the court.
Swiatek’s resilience in the face of backlash and her ongoing commitment to her sport remain commendable, as she navigates both public scrutiny and the pressures of high-stakes competition.