EXCLUSIVE: Iga Swiatek’s brutal press conference questions

World number one Iga Swiatek from Poland had a tough first round encounter with American Sofia Kenin at this year’s Australian Open.

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Swiatek eventually triumphed 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena on what was a hot day in Melbourne.

According to The South African website’s Dave Marshall, during her post-match press conference, Swiatek was asked some questions that proved to be just as tricky – or maybe even trickier – than her first round opponent.

Iga Swiatek was initially asked a couple of questions about former Australian Grand Slam winner Ash Barty and the influence she has had on her career.

“Well, it was really annoying losing against her and playing against her because, as I said, you knew what she’s going to play in terms of the tactics and the placement. She did it so well, there was nothing you could do.

“It really annoyed me. I wanted to get better, be able to be solid when she’s playing her slices. Even though she wasn’t the tallest one, she served really well and the placement was amazing. I knew that if I’m going to be working hard, it could be possible for me.

“So, yeah, she really motivated me. I never got to win against Ash. She was, like, also off court I felt like, I don’t know, she has distance to everything what’s going on. Yeah, for sure she felt a lot of pressure and stress. She was always, like, in her own bubble, in the zone. I really respected that.”

There has been a change in spectator protocols at this year’s Australian Open with fans being allowed to enter matches at the end of games, rather than waiting for change-overs before entering the courts.

IGA SWIATEK’S VIEWS ON THESE CHANGES WERE INTERESTING

“Yeah, my psychologist told me today. It’s good that my team knows because they can get me ready for any situation. Well, I mean, I don’t mind. If the referee allows me to wait little bit when they are going down the stairs, because you never know if they’re going to turn right when your opponent is tossing the ball or the other side.

“If the referee’s going to let me wait a little bit, it’s going to be fine, then I don’t mind. So, I guess it’s up to the chair umpire if they allow ’cause, yeah, I don’t like to play when people are moving in the back behind my opponent.”

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Swiatek had more to say on this topic when asked to elaborate.

“Well, I would say, I mean, some players, they don’t care. I’m pretty sensitive. I can get my focus really in the zone, but sometimes I see the movement and it annoys me a little bit.

“For me it’s better to wait and see where these people are going to go. Sometimes they’re right behind the opponent and I can see them, but I’m trying to stay focused. It’s kind of my job to do that. It’s fine. This is the audience. We are kind of playing for them. They should do whatever they want.”

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Iga Swiatek was then asked her views on Rafael Nadal being announced as a tennis ambassador in Saudi Arabia and the setting up of his tennis academy in Riyadh.

“Honestly, I didn’t know that this is the case. Well, for sure I feel like it’s not black and white, everything that’s going on, in the sport. It’s hard for me to sum up in one sentence.

“There were a lot of rumours about WTA Finals going to Saudi. We’re still waiting for the decision. It was always hard for me to say if it’s good or not because it’s not easy for women in these areas. Obviously, these countries also want to change and improve politically and sociologically. It’s not easy to decide.

“Also, in terms of many events that were held, there were rumours about sportswashing. In my case, because I have nothing to do with Rafa and his decisions, it should be up to the federations and the governing bodies who decide if we’re going to play there or not. If there would be some negative backlash, they should take the responsibility.”

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Swiatek was then asked how it was for her playing mixed doubles at the recent United Cup which Poland lost in the final to Germany. She was very positive about her experience.

“Honestly, I didn’t have to practice a lot because I’m practicing against guys at home. I’m used to men serving to me. Maybe not that speed, because obviously at United Cup, there were top ATP players.

“But, yeah, it was really fun and a challenge. I felt like I could just play without any expectations. I kind of guessed sometimes the direction that it’s going to go because I couldn’t wait and see from their movement. It would be too quick for me to get it.”

“Yeah, it was great – especially when it worked. I just could see that they were so annoyed sometimes (smiling). I’m sorry, but I really had fun.”

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Then the last question of the press conference was the trickiest one of all for Swiatek to address.

It related to the news that Alexander Zverev had been charged with a case to answer for domestic violence in his native country of Germany and should something be done about his current position on the ATP players council.

After a very lengthy pause, Iga Swiatek said: “Well, any answer that I give, I mean, there’s no good answer to that. I think it’s up to ATP what they decide. For sure it’s not good when a player who’s facing charges like that is kind of being promoted.

“I don’t know what the result of the investigation or the case is going to be. I’m also not sure what’s the history in terms of the other cases that he had. I don’t know if he won or lost. I guess you have to ask the ATP what they want to do with that ‘cause I’m not in the right position to judge.”

Dave Marshall is covering the 2024 Australian Open live from Melbourne exclusively for The South African website