“Biggest cheat,” Netizens call out Iga Swiatek for not being ready for Madison Keys’ serve during their Australian Open semifinal

Iga Swiatek wasn't ready for Madison Keys' serve before the start of the third set in their Australian Open semifinal.

“Biggest cheat,” Netizens call out Iga Swiatek for not being ready for Madison Keys’ serve during their Australian Open semifinal

Iga Swiatek (via X)

The second Australian Open semifinals between Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek lived up to the hype. The two tennis titans produced the tournament match, with neither player trying to stay to give an inch.

Eventually, Keys saved a match point to win the match 5-7 6-1 7-6 to progress to her first Australian Open final. However, this match was not without its fair share of controversy, as there were some interesting developments before the start of the third set.

YouTube video

Before the start of the third set, Keys, as per routine, was trying to start things off with her serve. However, Swiatek wasn’t in position. Instead, she tried to do some routine returning exercises with her back toward her opponent.

FS Video

That move annoyed Keys as she gave a direct look to the chair umpire. Eventually, it didn’t matter, as Keys eventually prevailed. Perhaps, this incident gave her the injection of motivation to prevail in this section.

Netizens slam Iga Swiatek for her antics in the Australian Open semifinal

As soon as the incident happened, netizens went on the X platform and blasted Iga Swiatek for her antics. They had also called her out for a double-bounce controversy in her previous match.

Iga Swiatek (8)
Iga Swiatek (Image via X)

Check out their reactions here:

Regardless of the incident, Madison Keys now looks forward to the Australian Open final, where she plays Aryna Sabalenka. The Belarusian leads 4-1 and has also won their last three meetings.

For Swiatek, it is another opportunity missed to showcase her dominance outside of clay. The Polish has only won one hard court Grand Slam out of five, which came at the US Open 2022.