"Very sore loser" - Fans call out Iga Swiatek's 'lack of sportsmanship' after controversial French Open moment in Elena Rybakina win
During a fourth-round match at the French Open, Iga Swiatek was seen questioning match umpire Kader Nouni as he went to check the ball mark for Elena Rybakina's second serve that was called out. The blockbuster clash was won by the Pole 1-6, 6-3, 7-5 as she extended her winning streak to 25 at the French Open.
When Rybakina and Swiatek were tied 4-4 in the third set, with the 24-year-old holding double break point, Rybakina's second serve was called out. Nouni left his seat to verify the line call and was met with an interesting remark by the Pole.
“I didn’t ask you to check it,” she allegedly said.
Even though some speculated that Swiatek was talking about Rybakina, as she did not ask the umpire to reconfirm the line call, fans still criticized her.
Here is the clip of the incident:
Fans took to X to express their opinions on the matter, with many condemning Swiatek for her allegedly unsportsmanlike behavior:
"And she keeps arguing against umpire calls, never appreciates a good play by her opponent - also kicked the net today with her racket. Very sore loser," posted a user.
"In other words, "I didn't ask you to do your job". So rude," wrote another.
"Iga knew the ball was in and tried to get the point only because Rybakina didn't call the umpire. One more episode of lake [lack] of sportsmanship," opined one.
"Not surprised with Iga behavior," a fan opined.
"Really strange moment, you want to think this is why iga loses if she does, but in reality she gave serve back the game before," wrote a fan.
With the victory, Iga Swiatek equaled Monica Seles' record of 25 Roland Garros wins on the trot.
Iga Swiatek on playing against Elena Rybakina
Having entered her sixth consecutive quarterfinal at Roland Garros, Iga Swiatek expressed appreciation for Elena Rybakina's play in their fourth-round clash.
"I felt like I was playing against Jannik Sinner. Elena really pushed me, so I needed to do something to get back into the game. And honestly, with her playing that way, I didn't have a lot of hopes. But I just kept fighting, and I'm happy that I did," she said. (0:04 onwards)
She will now face Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals on June 3.