Iga Swiatek recently requested that a disruptive ‘drunk’ fan be removed from the audience during her match against Amanda Anisimova at the WTA Finals. However, fans were puzzled by the Pole’s demand, given that alcohol is banned in Saudi Arabia, the host country of the event.
Swiatek entered the WTA Finals as the World No. 2, and her campaign started strongly with a straight-sets victory over Madison Keys. Unfortunately, she soon encountered difficulties, suffering a disappointing loss to Elena Rybakina, followed by another defeat against Amanda Anisimova.
During the match against Anisimova, Swiatek had a tense exchange with the umpire, alleging that a ‘drunk’ fan was disrupting her second serve. She asked for the man to be removed from the audience.
Reacting to Swiatek’s demand, many fans expressed confusion on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). One user wrote, “Weird accusation considering the location. Public consumption of alcohol is banned in Saudi.” Another added, “Alcohol is strictly banned in Saudi Arabia. What is she on about?”
Other tennis enthusiasts also responded to Swiatek’s comments about a ‘drunk’ spectator in Saudi Arabia:
– “Mayne she should have let him stay seeing as she lost the next 2 sets,” one fan commented.
– “Drunk in Saudi Arabia? Maybe she’s drunk,” joked another.
– “Well I hope they kicked him out because it looks like Anisimova kicked something after that,” remarked one user.
– “Calling someone drunk in Saudi Arabia where alcohol is fully banned. Clowntek for a reason,” added another fan.
### Iga Swiatek Reflects on Her WTA Finals Exit
After back-to-back losses to Elena Rybakina and Amanda Anisimova, Iga Swiatek’s campaign at the WTA Finals has come to an early end. Her exit during the group stage marks a disappointing result for the 24-year-old Pole.
Reflecting on her match against Anisimova, Swiatek told reporters:
“Honestly, I did everything I could today, so, like, no regrets. I felt like, I mean, really, in the zone, like I had, you know, a positive mindset. Okay, maybe some balls went short or something, but tennis is not like, it’s not gonna be perfect. So like, I fought, and I really didn’t give up. It wasn’t enough, which makes me sad. But like, we all need to, like, find some understanding, I guess, because when you do everything and it’s still not enough, I guess it means that you just need to get your tennis better.”
This marks the second consecutive year Swiatek has exited the WTA Finals during the group stage. Prior to that, she claimed the title by defeating Jessica Pegula in the finals.
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*Edited by Riddhi Acharya*
https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/news-weird-accusation-considering-location-fans-baffled-iga-swiatek-s-furious-demand-umpire-throw-drunk-fan-wta-finals-loss