Iga Swiatek has admitted she feels threatened by the abuse flowing her way online, as she opened up in his latest US Open press conference.
The Pole, gunning for a second title at Flushing Meadows, dropped just one game as she dispatched Ena Shibahara 6-0 6-1 in 65 minutes.
Only three players (Margaret Court – 11, Maria Sharapova – 8, Evonne Goolagong – 8) have registered more sets of 6-0 score line from their first 22 matches in women’s singles at US Open than Swiatek (7) during the Open Era, with her status a favourite to win a second title in New York strengthened by her dominant win against Shibahara.
Yet it was her comments in her post-match press conference that may have been her most significant contribution to the game, as she spoke about the impact online abuse can have on her.
Swiatek insisted she doesn’t follow all the abusive messages flowing her way on social media, but the level of venom coming her way does occasionally get through.
“I’m only kind of seeing the messages from my close ones, the ones that I already accepted, but for sure there is a lot of hate,” she said, suggesting her social media feeds are restricted to messages from approved followers.
It would be nice if we can try to educate people and also maybe in the future have some solutions as, you know, using Al to make it safer for us.
“Because I feel like we can’t be on the internet and feel like kind of safe anymore. You have to really be careful about what you’re reading and who you’re following.
“I know that there are some tools that, for example, Roland Garros offered for us, like this app that we can have on the phone, and it’s going to block the hateful messages.
“My team also has been kind of looking in my case what kind of messages have been blocked or not when we’re using this app. It would be nice if we had more opportunities to use these kind of tools because it’s always some kind of help.”
Swiatek will doubtless avoid the social media barbs as she looks towards the second week of the US Open and she is excited by her form heading into the business end of the tournament.
“I was just happy with the way I played, not overpowering and being really solid and picking the right shots to be reactive, I am happy with everything,” said Swiatek.
“I felt in much better rhythm. I was a bit tense in my last match. I just wanted to focus on myself and that’s what I did.”
The withdrawal of No 4 seed Elena Rybakina from the US Open due to illness could have an impact on Swiatek as she was due to meet her old rival in the semi-finals in New York.
Swiatek will now play Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the third round, with American Jessica Pegula the most threatening player in her section of the draw.
Iga Świątek’s recent US Open performance has been impressive, but her latest press conference highlighted something more significant than her tennis prowess—her concerns about online abuse. Świątek, who is aiming for her second title at Flushing Meadows, delivered a dominant win against Ena Shibahara, losing just one game in their 65-minute match. This victory further solidified her status as a favorite to win the tournament, but it was her candid discussion about the impact of online abuse that resonated with many.
In her press conference, Świątek opened up about the toll that online hate can take on athletes. While she tries to shield herself from the negative messages by limiting her social media interactions to approved followers, the sheer volume of abusive content sometimes breaks through. “I’m only kind of seeing the messages from my close ones, the ones that I already accepted, but for sure there is a lot of hate,” she admitted. This statement sheds light on the reality that even top athletes, who seem invincible on the court, are vulnerable to the toxic environment that can pervade social media.
Świątek’s comments underscore a growing concern among athletes about the need for better protection and tools to combat online abuse. She mentioned the efforts made by tournaments like Roland Garros, which provided an app designed to block hateful messages. “My team also has been kind of looking in my case what kind of messages have been blocked or not when we’re using this app,” Świątek explained. However, she believes more can be done, suggesting that advancements in AI could be used to create safer online spaces for athletes and the general public alike. “It would be nice if we can try to educate people and also maybe in the future have some solutions, as you know, using AI to make it safer for us,” she said.
As Świątek prepares for the second week of the US Open, her focus remains on her game. Despite the challenges off the court, she expressed satisfaction with her performance, particularly her ability to remain composed and make smart decisions during her matches. “I was just happy with the way I played, not overpowering and being really solid and picking the right shots to be reactive. I am happy with everything,” she reflected. This level of self-awareness and control will be crucial as she faces tougher opponents in the coming rounds.
The unexpected withdrawal of No. 4 seed Elena Rybakina due to illness has potentially altered Świątek’s path to the final. Rybakina, who was scheduled to meet Świątek in the semifinals, has been a formidable rival, and her absence opens up the draw. However, Świątek is not taking anything for granted. She will face Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the third round, with American Jessica Pegula looming as a significant threat in her section of the draw.
Świątek’s ability to maintain her form and focus amidst these challenges will be critical as she progresses through the tournament. Her success at the US Open could serve as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, both on and off the court, resilience and mental fortitude are key to achieving greatness.
While Świątek’s tennis achievements are undoubtedly impressive, her willingness to speak out about the darker side of fame—online abuse—is equally important. As social media continues to play a significant role in the lives of athletes, the conversation around protecting them from online harassment is becoming more urgent. Świątek’s experience highlights the need for continued innovation in this area, whether through AI, better education, or more robust tools to filter out harmful content.
As she moves forward in the US Open, fans will be watching not just for her powerful forehands and strategic play, but also for how she navigates the pressures that come with being in the spotlight. Świątek’s journey at Flushing Meadows is not just about winning a second title; it’s also about setting an example of how athletes can handle the mental challenges of the modern game with grace and strength.