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Angry World No.1 Iga Swiatek scolds an overzealous fan who crossed the line and hit her with a ball after her Australian Open win, before crediting Ash Barty for her success.
- Swiatek escaped a scare to beat Germany’s Jule Niemeier on Monday night
- Then the Poliosh star took the time to sign autographs for fans of the world number 1.
- A fan threw a ball that hit her, and a finger moved because of her trouble.
- Swiatek also thanked retired Australian champion Ash Barty for being his inspiration.
Polish world number 1 Iga Swiatek was harassed after her big escape in the first round of the Australian Open, but had to remind Australian fans to treat players with patience and respect.
The open referees breathed a sigh of relief after the Polish ace posted a 6-4, 7-5 first-round victory over Germany’s Jule Niemeier on Monday night.
On a day when they lost Nick Kyrgios, the men’s draw card, to a knee injury, Swiatek looked in danger of joining the exodus of superstars before racking up four straight games in the second set to seal the victory.
After the match, the Polish star took the time to sign autographs for a crowd of fans, but one got too excited.
While Swiatek was signing giant novelty tennis balls, one fan decided the quickest way to get their ball to stardom was to throw it away.
She quickly took evasive action, but the ball hit her in the stomach, prompting Swiatek to flick her finger at the fan and utter some angry words.
Swiatek takes time to sign autographs for fans after his narrow first round victory at the Australian Open on Monday.
He then became angry with an overzealous fan who threw a ball at him for an autograph, causing him to take evasive action.
To his credit, Swiatek got the ball back and signed it to the fan.
In another stylish moment, Swiatek also praised retired champion Ash Barty as a continuing inspiration.
On a day when they lost Nick Kyrgios, the men’s draw card, to a knee injury, Swiatek looked in danger of joining the exodus of superstars before racking up four straight games in the second set to seal the win.
Swiatek then paid tribute to Barty, whom the 21-year-old replaced at the top of the standings following the Australian great’s shock retirement last March.
She said the 2022 Open title winner, who will be at Melbourne Park assisting local youngster Olivia Gadecki and possibly presenting the trophy to the new champion, helped her take her game to new heights.
“Last year, when I lost to her in Adelaide, I thought: ‘I have to do everything I can to learn how to get this cut back and cope with the change of pace,'” Swiatek said.
“Over the next few months, I was very, very motivated. I’m very grateful for that.
“She’s such an inspiration and the way she carries herself, it’s very graceful.
Swiatek of Poland reacts as he converts match point against Jule Niemeier of Germany in their first round match on Day 1 of the 2023 Australian Open at Melbourne Park
Swiatek has replaced retired Australian champion Ash Barty as world number 1 and credits the Queenslander for being an inspiration.
“He seemed to really enjoy racing and having a challenge, which I really admire because sometimes, for me, a challenge is something that I tend to get nervous about before.”
“So I really wanted to have this mindset and she really inspired me to work on myself.”
It was Swiatek’s first match since withdrawing from the Adelaide International with a shoulder injury after American Jessica Pegula left her in tears 6-2 6-2 in the United Cup.
Swiatek faces Colombian Camila Osorio on Wednesday.