Iga Swiatek fumes 'why would you say that' in US Open press conference

Iga Swiatek was involved in an awkward exchange in a US Open press conference

Iga Swiatek was involved in an awkward exchange with a journalist at the US Open after being asked if she needed a “mental break.” The six-time Grand Slam champion was dumped out of the tournament by Amanda Anisimova at the quarter-final stage as the American gained revenge for her heavy defeat to Swiatek in the Wimbledon final. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Swiatek, who also clashed with another tennis reporter last week, thrashed Anisimova 6-0, 6-0 when the pair met at the All England Club less than two months ago. But it was a different outcome in New York as the Polish star failed to establish her presence on court. After both players secured early breaks of serve, Anisimova eventually claimed a second break at the end of the first set to gain the upper hand. And the home crowd favourite fought back from a 2-0 deficit in the second set to ultimately win the contest 6-4, 6-3.

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Swiatek, who reached the semi-finals at the Australian Open and French Open ahead of her Wimbledon triumph, appeared dejected when she addressed the media in her post-match press conference. And she looked puzzled as her exchange with one reporter began after she was asked how tired she was feeling at the moment. “Well, I don’t know, it’s not like my matches were exhausting here,” she stated. And after being quizzed about taking a mental break, she exclaimed: “Why would you say that?” To be the first to receive the latest tennis news, join our WhatsApp community or newsletter

Iga Swiatek was knocked out of the US Open by Amanda Anisimova

The journalist told the 24-year-old that she had played a lot of matches in a row as he attempted to clarify his question. And Swiatek responded: “Talk to the people responsible for the schedule.” Swiatek then asked the reporter: “Do you need a mental break? You look like you need a mental break.” And the reporter said: “I do, yeah.” The 2022 US Open champion then quipped: “Well, what are you doing here?” And the man replied: “I’ve got to get to the end of the tournament.”

World No. 2 Swiatek is one of the finest players on the WTA Tour and won her first Wimbledon trophy in July after struggling on the grass in previous years. She has dominated at the French Open during her career and has tasted glory on the Paris clay on four occasions. She won three titles in a row between 2022 and 2024 but suffered a shock defeat to Aryna Sabalenka in the last four this year. Meanwhile, Swiatek’s only US Open title success came after she defeated Ons Jabeur in a close final three years ago. She is yet to win silverware at the Australian Open after reaching the semi-finals in Melbourne on two occasions.

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