Iga Swiatek has her say on spectators being allowed to move freely in stands during matches at US Open 2024
Iga Swiatek recently gave her thoughts on the new rule allowing spectators to move freely in the stands during matches at the 2024 US Open. This rule, which permits spectators to move around the courts between games, was first introduced at the 2024 Australian Open.
This year, Swiatek is the top seed at the New York Major. She began her campaign by defeating lucky loser Kamilla Rakhimova 6-4, 7-6(6) in the first round. She then overcame qualifier Ena Shibahara 6-0, 6-1 and then registered a 6-4, 6-2 win over 25th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the second and the third rounds respectively.
In the fourth round, the World No. 1 defeated 16th seed Liudmila Samsonova 6-4, 6-1 to secure a spot in the quarterfinals, her first time in the last eight at Flushing Meadows since her title win in 2022.
During the post-match press conference, Swiatek discussed the new rules implemented by US Open organizers that allowed fans to access their seats after each game, not just during changeovers and set breaks.
Swiatek acknowledged that adjusting to spectators moving freely during matches is something she and other players have to get used to. She shared that when she notices someone moving behind her opponent, she pauses play until the fan moves away from her line of sight, ensuring she can properly see the ball.
"I think it's something that we have to adjust to and something that I have to work on in terms of getting my focus in the right place for sure. I'm going to kind of wait when people behind my opponent are walking because I want to see clearly when she throws the ball and I don't want to lose it when somebody moves. So I think this is the only part where I'm just going to wait," Swiatek said [3:38].
Iga Swiatek also said that chair umpires have been supportive in stopping play when necessary due to moving fans, which she finds helpful in maintaining focus during matches.
"I think the chair umpires they are allowing that for now and I hope it stays that way. But I don't mind them moving on the sides, especially on big stadium like here. It's going to be more difficult on smaller stadiums when the people walking are going to be closer to you. For now it's been fine. I played two tournaments with this rule and I feel like I could focus so that's that's fine," she added [4:08].
Iga Swiatek will face Jessica Pegula in US Open 2024 QF
![Iga Swiatek (L) & Jessica Pegula (R) [Source: Getty]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/09/4fcc4-17253723050234-1920.jpg?w=500)
Iga Swiatek will take on the sixth seed Jessica Pegula in the quarterfinals of the 2024 US Open.
Pegula entered the New York Slam after winning the title at the 2024 Canadian Open, where she defeated her compatriot Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 in the final. Following this victory, the American had a runner-up finish at the Cincinnati Open, where she lost to Aryna Sabalenka 3-6, 5-7 in the final.
At the US Open, Pegula started her campaign by defeating compatriots Shelby Rogers 6-4, 6-3 and Sofia Kenin 7-6(4), 6-3 in the first and second rounds respectively. In the third round, the World No. 6 then overcame Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-3, 6-3 and then registered a 6-4, 6-2 win over 18th seed Diana Shnaider in the fourth to secure her place in the quarterfinals.
Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula have faced each other nine times on the WTA tour, with the Pole winning six out of those nine match-ups. Their most recent encounter was in the final of the 2023 WTA Finals, where Swiatek dominated with a 6-1, 6-0 win to claim the title.
The winner of the match between Swiatek and Pegula will advance to face either 22nd seed Beatriz Haddad Maia or Karolina Muchova in the semifinals of the 2024 US Open.