Tired of ‘Mental Break’ Question, Iga Swiatek Hits Back at Journalist After US Open Exit

The US Open is the only Major where World No.2 Iga Swiatek failed to reach the semifinals in singles this season.

Tired of ‘Mental Break’ Question, Iga Swiatek Hits Back at Journalist After US Open Exit

Iga Swiatek (Image via X/Jimmie48 Photography)

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Iga Swiatek‘s Grand Slam campaigns of this season have ended. On Wednesday (September 3), she couldn’t repeat the Wimbledon final result, losing 6-4, 6-3 to Amanda Anisimova in the quarterfinal of the US Open.

At the press conference, Swiatek was asked by journalist David Law how tired she was, given that she played the 12-day Cincinnati Masters, the revamped US Open mixed doubles with Casper Ruud, and her singles matches. Swiatek replied that her matches at the US Open were not exhausting. Law then asked her if she needed a mental break.

Why would you say that?… Talk to people responsible for the schedule. We need to adjust. Do you need a mental break?

Law replied that he indeed needs one. “Well, then what are you doing here?” Swiatek asked.

Here’s the video:

Swiatek is not at all a fan of the 11-month schedule and has often expressed her wish to have more breaks. But she also criticized reports of her needing a mental break.

Swiatek will next be focusing on the Asian swing, where last year, she was forced to skip multiple tournaments due to the provisional suspension after testing positive for a banned substance. Skipping those mandatory tournaments affected her rankings as she ended up losing the No.1 ranking to Aryna Sabalenka, who now has a chance to maintain her position by defending the US Open title.

So far this season, the six-time Grand Slam champion has played three finals and clinched the titles at Wimbledon and in Cincinnati. The 2022 US Open champion has once again failed to reach the semifinals in the New York tournament since that victory. Also, it’s the only Major this season where Swiatek failed to reach the semifinals in singles.

Amanda Anisimova sets up a clash with Naomi Osaka after beating Iga Swiatek

Amanda Anisimova, after taking the revenge on Iga Swiatek and also tying the head-to-head record to 1-1, will next be locking horns with Naomi Osaka. The Japanese ace knocked out Karolina Muchova in straight sets to reach a Grand Slam semifinal for the first time since the 2021 Australian Open.

Amanda Anisimova
Amanda Anisimova (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

Yeah, she’s won four Grand Slams. She obviously knows the game very well and is very successful. And she’s a really strong hitter. She plays really well on the hard courts. We know that.

Amanda Anisimova said at the press conference

The American ace has faced Osaka twice, winning both matches. These matches they played in Grand Slam events- in the third round of the 2022 Australian Open and the first round of the Roland Garros the same year.

I feel like she’s really found her groove. She’s put in a lot of work this past year. I’ve observed it and I’ve seen it. I feel like she’s really found her momentum here. She looks like she’s enjoying it out there. Obviously, she’s always been a top player and one of the best.

Amanda Anisimova added

Anisimova will be playing a Grand Slam semifinal for the third time in her career. So far this season, the 24-year-old has played three finals and won her career’s first WTA 1000 title at the Qatar Open by defeating Jelena Ostapenko. Apart from the Qatar Open and Wimbledon, Anisimova also reached the Queen’s Club Championships final, losing the match to Tatjana Maria.

Osaka is bidding to reach a final for the third time this season after the ASB Classic and the Canadian Open. The 2021 Australian Open is the last trophy the former World No.1 won. The winner of the Osaka versus Anisimova will meet Aryna Sabalenka or Jessica Pegula in the championship clash.

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