The Pole, eliminated this Wednesday morning in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, regretted at a press conference the omnipresence of cameras in the corridors leading to the court.
Words are powerful, especially when spoken by one of the world’s best tennis players. But reflect the disappointment and anger of Iga Swiatek. Frustrated after her elimination in two short sets (7-5, 6-1) in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, this Wednesday by the Kazakh Elena Rybakina, the world number 2 gave an unexpected rant at a press conference.
The object of his wrath was not on the court of Rod Laver Arena but in the corridors of the stadium. “Are we tennis players or are we more like animals in a zoo that we observe even when they poop,” criticized Iga Swiatek about the omnipresence of cameras in the corridors. Well, that was obviously overkill, but it would be nice to have some privacy. »
The 24-year-old, winner of six Grand Slam tournaments, including 4 at Roland Garros, but who has never reached the final in Australia, believes that the trend – the drift? – has accelerated in recent years. A sort of Big Brother, reality TV, tennis version…
“It would be nice to have some privacy”
“We’re supposed to be watched on the court, you know, and in the press,” Swiatek continues. It’s our job. It’s not our job to be a meme (humorous and viral video on social networks) when you forget your accreditation. Oh, it’s funny, of course. People have something to say, but for us, I don’t think it’s necessary. »
A rant reminiscent of that made by the American Coco Gauff the day before. Beaten by Elina Svitolina on Tuesday in the quarter-final (6-1, 6-2), the third player in the world smashed her racket behind the scenes of the arena after the match when she thought she was alone. Unfortunately for her, her tantrum was filmed and broadcast on television.
“I tried to go to a place where they wouldn’t broadcast it, but they obviously did,” the player regretted afterwards at a press conference. Maybe we should discuss this, because I feel like in this tournament the only private place we have is the locker room. »
