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Iga Swiatek Addresses Harassment Incident at Miami Open and Online Threats
World No. 2 tennis star, Iga Swiatek, has publicly acknowledged experiencing harassment during a practice session at the Miami Open, prompting swift action from the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) to provide enhanced security. The Polish player has also revealed receiving online threats following the incident, as she returns to competition at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart.
WTA Support and Security Measures
Following a quarter-final defeat in Miami, Swiatek is now competing at the Stuttgart Open on her preferred clay surface. She expressed gratitude towards the WTA for their proactive response in ensuring her safety after the unsettling episode in Florida.
“I think WTA helped us, helped me, to feel protected,” Swiatek stated, acknowledging the tour’s prompt intervention.
Details of the Miami Open Harassment
The incident occurred during an on-site practice session at the Miami Open last month, where Swiatek faced verbal abuse from an individual. The five-time Grand Slam champion was approached by a man who reportedly recorded himself directing offensive remarks towards her.
The individual’s comments allegedly referenced Swiatek’s mother and her psychologist, Daria Abramowicz, in a disparaging manner. These actions prompted immediate concern from Swiatek’s team, who reported the harassment to the WTA and tournament officials.
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Confirmation of Online Threats
While Swiatek downplayed the practice court encounter as not constituting a direct “threat,” she confirmed the presence of disturbing online messages that necessitated further action from her team and the WTA.
“The thing that I heard wasn’t a threat, but I think there were some threats on the Internet,” Swiatek clarified.
She emphasized the WTA’s role in ensuring her well-being, stating, “WTA helped me react quickly and made me feel secure. I’m happy there is someone overlooking us and helping us to react in these kinds of situations.”
Swiatek’s Focus Shifts to Stuttgart Open
Despite the unsettling experience, Swiatek is now concentrating on the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, an indoor clay-court tournament where she has previously secured two titles. As the second seed, she received a bye in the first round and awaits her opening match against either Donna Vekic or Jana Fett.
With the support of her team and the WTA, Swiatek aims to put the Miami Open incident behind her and focus on her performance in Stuttgart.