Boris Becker reacts to Iga Swiatek statement after she receives backlash at Indian Wells

Iga Swiatek has now responded to criticism she received following her exit at the semi-final stage of Indian Wells.

Swiatek was beaten by Mirra Andreeva in the semi-finals of Indian Wells, bringing an end to her title defense and bid for history.

This is the second successive tournament that Swiatek has been defeated by Andreeva, who went onto win Indian Wells after beating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the final.

However, perhaps the main talking point of that semi-final came in the first set, with Swiatek being criticized after hitting a ball into the ground in frustration that nearly hit the ball boy.

Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Boris Becker reacts to Iga Swiatek releasing statement following backlash

A few days on from the incident, Swiatek has released a lengthy statement to express her regret at what had unfolded on court at Indian Wells and claimed that she apologized to the ball boy at the time of the incident.

“I expressed frustration in a way I’m not proud of,” Swiatek said on Instagram. “My intention was never to aim the ball at anyone but merely to release my frustration by bouncing it on the ground.

“I immediately apologised to the ball boy, we made eye contact and nodded to each other when I expressed regret that it happened near him. I’ve seen many players bounce balls in frustration, and frankly, I didn’t expect such harsh judgements.

“Usually, I control such impulses, so half-jokingly I can say I lack experience in this and misjudged my aim in the heat of the moment.”

More Tennis News

Swiatek, who received a one month ban last year after testing positive for banned substance trimetazidine, also responded to those criticizing her and called out the double standards that she has seen.

“When I’m highly focused and don’t show many emotions on court, I’m called a robot, my attitude labelled as inhuman,” the world number two continued. “Now that I’m more expressive, showing feelings or struggling internally, I’m suddenly labelled immature or hysterical.

“That’s not a healthy standard, especially considering that just six months ago, I felt my career was hanging by a thread, spent three weeks crying daily and didn’t want to step on the court.

“Today, after everything I’ve been through, I’m still processing and coming to terms with those experiences. Will sharing this change anything? Probably not, because I clearly see how much we love judging, creating theories and imposing opinions on others.

“But perhaps a few people who genuinely want to understand what I’m experiencing will understand this. In any case, this external standard is definitely not my standard and I don’t accept my team and me being boxed into external expectations.

“Nevertheless, to those fans who truly support me, I deeply thank you and want you to know how grateful I am for your kindness.”

This statement has received a big reaction, including from six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker, who was following Indian Wells with regular posts on social media during the tournament.

While declaring that he hopes Swiatek can find peace on court again, Becker claimed that her statement was full of excuses and long explanations.

“Lots of excuses and looooong explanations… not sure anymore!” Becker said on X (formerly known as Twitter). “Usually always supporting the players! I wish Iga to find her peace on the tennis court! She is a proven champion!”

Fans show Iga Swiatek support in response to statement

Although Becker has not necessarily given Swiatek his approval following her statement, the five-time major winner has received lots of other support on social media.

One fan particularly agreed with Swiatek about double standards and suggested that this post was ‘long overdue’.

They said, “It’s long overdue from IGA. The double standard in the way they treat her is too biased to not talk about it.”

Another social media user also showed sympathy towards Swiatek, “This is so well put and I’m sad it took reading this to understand the complexities of what Iga must being going through at this stage of her career – but i fear i see anyone not getting this you just must not get what this all means to people.”

The messages showing Swiatek support continued, “Well said, keep working Iga.”

Another added, “I do appreciate her honesty in telling her perspective of things, it’s never easy and least of all for an elite athlete.”

Swiatek will now look to put this disappointment behind her at the Miami Open, where she won the title in 2022.

The 23-year-old receives a bye to the second round, where Swiatek could play Caroline Garcia again or qualifier Anna Bondar.

Click here to read article