Iga Swiatek expressed her determination following a contentious match against Victoria Azarenka at Bad Homburg, where she secured a quarter-final spot with a 6-4, 6-4 victory. During the match, Azarenka confronted the umpire over Swiatek’s perceived time-wasting between points, stating, “Every time it’s the same story. As soon as she’s down in the game, she’s taking her time. Like over the time. And you’re not checking. Every time.”
Despite the tension, Swiatek showcased her competitive spirit, remaining focused on the court. After winning the match—her 300th career victory—she raised her arms to the umpire, signaling her confusion over Azarenka’s complaints. Their handshake at the net was also marked by Azarenka turning away, indicating the strain between the two players.
This victory is particularly significant for Swiatek as she enters Wimbledon as the eighth seed—the lowest she has been since 2021—following a challenging year. She previously held the number one seed position for eleven consecutive Grand Slams. Swiatek now prepares for a tough quarter-final against either Ekaterina Alexandrova or wildcard Maria Sakkari, knowing she needs to maintain her focus and composure to pursue the title at SW19.
The match not only highlights Swiatek’s resilience but also her ability to handle external pressures, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the tournament as she aims to reclaim her dominant form on the grass courts.