Iga Swiatek admits she was ‘scared’ about people ‘turning their back’ on her after doping case
Iga Swiatek spoke for the first time about the negative comments she has been receiving on social media about her doping scandal.
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Iga Swiatek (Image via X)
Iga Swiatek is in Australia for the ongoing United Cup which she and Poland came close to winning in 2023. Ahead of the tournament, Swiatek opened up about her reactions to negative comments from colleagues and fans on social media about her doping scandal.
Swiatek tested positive for the banned drug trimetazidine because of consuming melatonin and faced a one-month suspension. She was at the receiving end of criticism because she did not receive a lengthy ban from the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
Australia’s Nick Kyrgios did not mince his words while slamming her and many fans while taking digs at the ITIA, accused Swiatek of doping. The 23-year-old, who at first was concerned about public backlash, however, did not pay much heed to the negative social media comments as she continued to focus on her preparations for the 2025 season.
But overall, the reaction in Poland basically, because this is mostly what I read, has been pretty supportive. I really, really appreciate that, because even when I missed the China swing and nobody knew why, it wasn’t so easy. So, after the information about my case was released, I was scared that most of the people are going to turn their back on me. But I felt the support and it’s great.
Iga Swiatek said at the press conference ahead of the United Cup
She received a mandatory suspension of three weeks and missed three tournaments. This was one of the reasons why she lost her No.1 title to Aryna Sabalenka.
Todd Woodbridge says Iga Swiatek needs to hit slice backhand to win at Australian Open
Iga Swiatek has clinched five Grand Slam titles but at the Australian Open, she has never reached the final. Her best run in the tournament was in 2022 when she reached the semifinal. Former Australian player Todd Woodbridge thinks hitting some slice backhand shot is going to help Swiatek play to her full potential at the Australian Open.
[It’s] one shot required for her to go another level here, and that’s to get a defensive ball, to get it back into play, and get back neutral into the court. If she can have been working on that, I promise you you’ll see a different look from Iga. It will allow her to use her forehand better and set things up.
Todd Woodbridge said on The Tennis podcast
Swiatek in the 2024 Australian Open bowed out of the tournament after losing to Linda Noskova in the third round. Last year, she lost to Elena Rybakina in the fourth round.
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