A prominent female tennis competitor voiced her discontent with a “questionable” inquiry from a journalist after her defeat in the quarterfinals this past Wednesday.
Iga Swiatek, the No. 2-ranked player in the 2025 U.S. Open tournament, was bested by No. 8-ranked Amanda Anisimova at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, New York, on Wednesday evening. Swiatek, aged 24 and holding the world No. 2 position, succumbed to the American competitor in successive sets, 6-4, 6-3. This represents a challenging setback for Swiatek, who boasts six Grand Slam titles, notably the 2022 U.S. Open and this year’s Wimbledon.
Iga Swiatek speaks with reporters.US Open.
Swiatek, understandably not in high spirits after her quarterfinals elimination from the U.S. Open, was prompted by a journalist asking whether she felt a necessity for a mental reprieve.
“Considering the substantial amount of tennis you’ve played in recent weeks, encompassing Wimbledon, the American tournaments leading to this event, and now this, how significant is your current level of fatigue?”
Swiatek’s displeasure with the inquiry was evident.
“I’m uncertain; it’s not as though my matches here have been physically draining.”
The journalist then clarified that he was referring to the need for a “mental break.”
Reporter’s inquiry draws criticism
The journalist’s question faced condemnation, with some implying that it was inappropriate to suggest that an athlete might require a mental break.
“Do you believe you are in need of a mental break?” Swiatek countered to the reporter.
She further remarked: “It appears that you yourself are in need of a mental break.”
Tennis enthusiasts are commending Swiatek for confronting the journalist and highlighting the impropriety of his question.
“Justified: The journalist posed an irritating question following a difficult defeat in a Grand Slam QF, and she rightfully responded with cutting remarks! I approve,” one fan posted on X.
“It’s time to stop posing senseless questions to tennis players, particularly after a defeat. Iga was emotionally affected by the loss and had to endure this absurdity following a very challenging match for her,” one fan added.
“A completely absurd question to pose,” one fan commented.
“The journalist should cease presuming that individuals are mentally fragile,” another fan contributed.
“While I’m not her greatest admirer due to the past doping controversy, this journalist should be barred from accessing the press room,” one fan stated.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 10: Iga Swiatek of Poland reacts to defeating Belinda Bencic of Switzerland in the semi-final on Day Eleven of The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 10, 2025 in London, England (Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images)Robert Prange/Getty Images
The U.S. Open will proceed on Thursday, featuring women’s semifinals contests between No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 4 Jessica Pegula, as well as No. 8 Amanda Anisimova and No. 23 Naomi Osaka.
The matches are scheduled to commence at 7 p.m. E.T. on ESPN.
This narrative was initially documented by The Spun on Sep 4, 2025, where it initially surfaced within the Tennis division.
