WATCH: “She’s a disgrace to the sport”- Yulia Putintseva mocks Iga Swiatek for her breathing, fans react

The controversial incident happened in the second set when Putintseva was leading it 4-3, and Swiatek was on the verge of equaling the scores. 

WATCH: “She’s a disgrace to the sport”- Yulia Putintseva mocks Iga Swiatek for her breathing, fans react

Yulia Putintseva, Iga Swiatek (Images via X)

Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva lost to World No.1 Iga Swiatek in three sets 6-3, 6-4 in the ongoing Italian Open. During the match, she seemed to have mimicked Swiatek’s breathing, which did not sit well with many netizens. 

Early in the second set, Swiatek was on 1-4, but she fought back to win the next games and eventually the match. The controversial incident happened in the second set when Putintseva was leading it 4-3, and Swiatek was on the verge of equaling the scores. 

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Swiatek registered her fourth win over Putintseva on the WTA Tour. They previously met at the 2021 Ostrava Open, the 2023 United Cup, and the 2024 Indian Wells. 

Before her defeat to Swiatek, the 29-year-old eliminated Martina Trevisan and Sloane Stephens in straight sets. She has not yet reached a semifinal in any event this year, though she made it to the quarterfinals multiple times. 

Netizens slam Yulia Putintseva for mocking Iga Swiatek 

This mimicking angered the fans as they questioned the Kazakh’s ‘poor sportsmanship’, telling her to grow up. Some fans said that Yulia Putintseva knew she couldn’t beat the four-time Grand Slam champion if the latter was not breathing. 

Iga Swiatek, Yulia Putintseva
Yulia Putintseva (Image via X)

Check out their reactions here:

Though social media fans were angry with Putintseva’s gesture, Iga Swiatek lauded her for her game. The Pole pointed out how Putintseva was playing differently, which she found tricky. 

Well, I think she's a tough opponent because she's changing the rhythm a lot. She's also, as you could see today, playing differently. She was, like, two meters behind the baseline on the return, which she didn't do before. She can mix it up. She has a good touch. I think that's what makes her tricky. 
Iga Swiatek said at the press conference 

Swiatek will face Germany’s Angelique Kerber in the fourth round. They have met two times with Swiatek leading the head-to-head record 2-0. Their first encounter was at the 2022 Indian Wells and their last was at this year’s United Cup.

Swiatek is aiming for his fourth title of the year after winning the Qatar Open, Indian Wells, and recently, the Madrid Open. She defeated World No.2 Aryna Sabalenka in a thriller to lift her first title in Madrid.

On the other hand, former World No. 1 and three-time Grand Slam winner Kerber made her comeback to tennis at this year’s Australian Open and is searching for her first title.

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