Playing her Miami Open quarter-final with unnecessary anxiety, world No.2 Iga Świątek and her team required extra security after enduring serious verbal abuse.
An unknown man heckled the five-time Grand Slam champion during a routine training session, shouting personal insults about Świątek's family.
Shop with a 15% storewide discount code: SERVE15 - excludes clearance items, machines, court equipment and gift cards at www.tennisdirect.com.au
It is understood that the man in question had previously stalked the Polish star on social media and sent countless messages on social media.
"The Miami incident appears to be a direct transition from verbal aggression online to harassment in the real world," Świątek's representatives stated.
"He was aggressive and taunting."
Perhaps that played a role in Świątek being on the receiving end of what will go down as one of the biggest shocks in 2025, as the 23-year-old suffered a 6-2 7-5 straight sets exit at the hands of Philippine wildcard Alexandra Eala.
"I think I was so in the moment, and I made it a point to be in the moment every point that it's hard to realise what just happened. It's hard to realise that you won the match," a stunned Eala said post-match, who will face Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals.
"I don't have a lot of experience on the WTA Tour, that's for sure, but I do have experience with compartmentalising. I have experience with being professional.
"I have no hesitation to bring that part of me out when I'm on court and when I'm in a setting that calls for professionalism."
Adding another win to her name after knocking out Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys and Paula Badosa throughout the week, the 19-year-old rises to a career-high world No.75 live.
When Świątek was asked whether the added security measures played on her mind and contributed to the loss, she revealed: "No, I wouldn't say so."
Tennis Coaches Australia, coaches supporting coaches, your voice, your network, stronger together" For all enquiries and membership go to tenniscoachesaustralia.au
Comments