Tennis fans got more than just on-court drama at the US Open this week.
Polish star Iga Swiatek made headlines off the court after a tense and unusual exchange with a journalist following her exit from the tournament.
Swiatek Falls to Amanda Anisimova in Quarter-Finals
Swiatek, the world No. 2, was knocked out of the women’s singles on Wednesday after a 6-4, 6-3 loss to Amanda Anisimova.
The defeat was surprising for some, given that Swiatek had beaten Anisimova 6-0, 6-0 at Wimbledon just a few months earlier in July.
A Spiky Press Conference Exchange
The press conference quickly became the talking point when a reporter asked Swiatek how tired she felt after weeks of tennis spanning Wimbledon and several U.S. tournaments.
Swiatek’s response was blunt: “Well, I don’t know. It’s not like my matches were exhausting here.”
When asked whether she might be considering a mental health break—a topic becoming increasingly common among tennis stars—Swiatek snapped back, “Why would you say that?”
Swiatek Turns the Question Around
The reporter explained it was just curiosity, given the packed schedule.
Swiatek then flipped the conversation, pointing out, “Well, talk to people responsible for the schedule.
Do you need a mental break?” The reporter admitted they did, and Swiatek wished them luck before moving on to the next question, leaving an unusual moment that left many onlookers bemused.
Swiatek’s Busy 2025 Season
This season has been action-packed for Swiatek.
She reached the semi-finals of both the Australian Open and French Open, captured the Wimbledon title in July, and even made it to the finals of the US Open mixed doubles with partner Casper Ruud—though they were defeated by Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori.
Mental Health Breaks Gain Attention in Tennis
The topic of mental health has become increasingly prominent in tennis.
Swiatek’s opponent, Anisimova, famously took an indefinite break in May 2023 due to mental health struggles, returning in January 2024 after an eight-month hiatus.
Anisimova had explained that she was dealing with burnout and needed time to prioritize her well-being, highlighting the pressures top athletes face today.
A Reminder of the Pressures at the Top
Swiatek’s exchange at the press conference serves as a reminder that even elite athletes can be irritable or defensive when under pressure.
With a jam-packed season and high expectations, it’s clear that managing both mental and physical health is a growing conversation in modern tennis.