WATCH: Iga Swiatek gets angry at fan who throws ball at her for autograph after her first-round win at the 2023 Australian Open
The Polish star's quick reactions were called into action as she caught a ball thrown hard at her by a fan
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Iga Swiatek dodges ball thrown at her and then scolds the spectator
Iga Swiatek was pelted by a ball by an over-eager fan desperate to get her signature on one of their collectibles. The World No.1 was signed oversized collectible tennis balls that fans gently threw towards her when one came buzzing towards her. She was able to utilize her quick reflexes but was not happy about the situation.
Swiatek is seen looking directly at the fan while wagging her finger. She mouths the words âNo, donât do thatâ and scolds the fan. The person was still able to get the signature of the tennis star. Swiatek was celebrating with her fans after her first-round victory when the incident occurred. The first seed defeated German player Jule Niemeier to advance to the next round.
The 6-4,7-5 win was more uncomfortable than it ought to be for the first seed. Swiatek wasnât at her best against the big-serving German, only just edging out the first set. The second set was even more difficult as Niemeier broke Swiatekâs first game and built up a 5-4 lead. But Swiatek showed her class to win the set 7-5.
Swiatek had big problems with her service game, delivering just 49 percent of her first serves. Swiatek said after the match,âHonestly, I wanted to be focused on myself because I know that Jule serves amazing and was really pushing, putting pressure on me. So I’m pretty happy that I got through this match because the first round is always tricky, and I guess an opponent like Jule makes it even more tricky.â Swiatek will look to perform better in the second round with her eyes set on winning the Slam.
Iga Swiatek’s draw at the 2023 Australian Open
Swiatek has been drawn in the opposite half to her rival Ons Jabeur. But her path to the final isnât going to be easy. The Polish star has already had a tough start against Niemeier.
She will face Columbian Camila Osorio in the second round. The last time the two played each other was at a French Open juniors doubles match. Swiatek is then likely to play Bianca Andreescu in the third round. If she advances, she could come up against Elena Rybanika, who crushed her at the World Tennis League last year. She could also face Danielle Collins, her opponent in last yearâs semifinal defeat at this Slam.
The highest seed in Swiatekâs quarter is Coco Gauff. The American could be a quarterfinals opponent. The semifinals could feature Swiatek against World No.3 Jessica Pegula, and the finals could be a rematch of the 2022 US Open final against Jabeur. One thing is for sure, Swiatek will have a target on her back as all these players would be motivated to defeat the World No.1.
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Samarth Srivastava
(139 Articles Published)