The Roland Garros crowds like to be averse to any sort of criticism and advice and WTA #1 Iga Swiatek is anticipating a reaction from the Paris fans after her R2 victory against Naomi Osaka.
Swiatek passed a tough test in her matchup against the fellow 4-time major champion Naomi Osaka to enter the R3 of her beloved slam.
Osaka looked set to pull off her biggest breakthrough win in years when she led the Pole 5-2 in the third frame. But the Japanese American will be bitterly regretting a missed forehand against Swiatek who saved a match point to come from behind and post a marvelous 7-6(1), 1-6, 7-5 win.
Osaka did a great job, considering the former WTA #1 only returned to action after maternity leave in January. It was only 3 years ago that the Japanese star pulled out of the Roland Garros after bowing down to depression and put her tennis career on hold. The 26-year-old is not a fan of clay with not having progressed past the R3 at Paris slam.
On the hand, for Swiatek, clay means business and she always looks overpowering on her best surface. During the current season, the women’s World No. 1 won her last 13 matches including to conclude title-securing runs in Madrid and Rome. She is vouching for a 3rd successive French Open title and her fourth in five years.
With the electric Roland Garros spectators in raptures after a high-octane contest between the two GS champions, Swiatek picked her moment to criticize the rowdy fans who tried to play their part during crucial points in the clash.
“I have huge respect for you guys and I know we’re playing for you but sometimes under a lot of pressure when you scream something during the rally it’s really hard to be focused,” she said in her on-court interview.
“I usually don’t bring this up because I want to be a player that’s in the zone and focused, but this is serious for us.
“We’re fighting our whole lives to be better and better. Sometimes it’s hard to accept that. The stakes are big. There’s a lot of money to win. Losing a few points may change a lot.
“Please guys if you can support us between the rallies but not during, that would be great. I hope you’re still gonna like me because I know the French crowd might get some players they don’t like and boo. But I love you guys and always love playing here, so let’s continue that.”
Swiatek’s comments resulted in a predictably mixed reaction from the crowd and the Pole continued with her comments in the presser, as she made a mention of the unwelcome distracting antics from the crowd that impacted her game during crucial points.
“I got most frustrated when I missed the drive volley as someone shouted when the ball was flying at me,” she said, referring to an incident in the final set.
“I knew that I should be more focused and not let this distract me, but sometimes it’s hard because in tennis we are used to the stadium being quiet.
“It happened more before the returns and that’s why I speak out about it.
“I know the French crowds can be enthusiastic, but in tennis we have rules that we have silent and I wanted to point out that it is not easy for us.
“I know the French crowds can be harsh, I don’t want to be under the radar right now. So I’m not sure that is a good decision. I just hope they treat me like a human and we can get on with it.”
Swiatek is right to highlight that the Roland Garros fans are traditionally hostile to any digs from players, so it will be interesting to see how Paris crowd treats the World No. 1 in the upcoming rounds.