'Why would you say that?': Iga Swiatek's spicy clash with reporter after world No.2 crashes out of US Open
Iga Swiatek's awkward relationship with the media continued on Thursday (AEST) after her shock quarter-final loss to Amanda Anisimova at the US Open.
The world No.2 had destroyed Anisimova 6-0, 6-0 in the Wimbledon final less than two months ago but the American took revenge on the Pole with a 6-4, 6-3 reversal.
Swiatek was gracious and full of praise for Anisimova but didn't like the suggestion that fatigue was to blame for her defeat.
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Iga Swiatek of Poland talks to the media after losing to Amanda Anisimova of the United States. Getty
Here's how the exchange unfolded in New York.
Reporter: Just generally, it's been a lot of tennis the last few weeks: Wimbledon, the American tournaments leading up to this, and now this. How tired are you at the moment?
Swiatek: Well, I don't know. It's not like my matches were exhausting here.
Reporter: Do you feel like a mental break? I'm not talking about the loss as such.
Swiatek: Why would you say that?
Reporter: Just wondered. It's just a lot in a row. Do you look forward to a break?
Swiatek: Well, talk to people responsible for the schedule. Do you need mental break?
Reporter: Sorry?
Swiatek: You look like you need mental break.
Reporter: I do, yeah.
Swiatek: Well, then what are you doing here?
Reporter: Got to get to the end of the tournament.
Swiatek: Good luck.
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Swiatek struggled to hold back tears as she left Arthur Ashe Stadium.
"She didn't play well in Wimbledon, but it's not like she's always going to do the same mistakes or feel the same. She can play great tennis," she said of Anisimova.
The frosty back and forth followed a similar Swiatek press conference experience after overcoming Suzan Lamens in three sets to reach the third round.
Iga Swiatek. Twitter
Things got weird when a Polish reporter asked her if she would follow Naomi Osaka's lead by wearing beads in her hair.
"What kind of question is that, excuse me? If I wanted to weave beads in my hair? No," Swiatek responded.
"What's going on here?"
Swiatek put her head in her hands at this point.
