World No.2 Iga Świątek is in hot water after striking a ball in the direction of a ball kid during her semi-final exit at Indian Wells.
A two-time champion in the Californian desert, the 23-year-old was outclassed by 17-year-old sensation Mirra Andreeva, with the teenager becoming the third player to defeat the Polish ace at Indian Wells to claim a 7-6(1) 1-6 6-3 win.
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Losing her way in the deciding set, Świątek took her frustration out on a ball kid, receiving a ball to serve before hitting the ball onto the ground with force, which almost struck the innocent ball kid.
Tennis fans on social media were left unimpressed by Świątek's reaction, with one person questioning why she is protected by umpires, writing: "And she's still being protected and not being punished? The hypocrisy and double standard."
Another fan commented on X: "Wondering if WTA will sanction this unacceptable behaviour. Don't you dare [be] doing this to ball kids."
"As much as I love her, this is unacceptable and she needs to apologise. Hitting a ball towards a ball kid is not okay," added another fan.
There was further controversy during the third set involving Świątek and the ball kids, with the five-time Slam champion approaching the chair umpire to argue that the ball kids were moving around while returning Andreeva's serve.
The umpire told her: "I am watching, I saw you holding your racquet."
Despite scheduled to attend her post-match media press conference, Świątek refused to show up without reason.
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