Iga Swiatek Unleashes Frustration as Umpire Dismisses Request to Check Ball Mark in Defeat

Iga Swiatek has expressed her frustration over the chair umpire’s decision to deny her request to check a mark during her semi-final defeat against top seed Aryna Sabalenka at Roland-Garros.

This incident occurred when Swiatek was trailing a set, leading 4-2 in the second set with Sabalenka serving on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

After Sabalenka’s initial serve went out, Swiatek paused momentarily before gesturing towards the mark and requesting French chair umpire Kader Nouni to come down to inspect it.

“You waited for the ball to go out, and then when it went out, you pointed,” Nouni told her during their exchange.

“It’s here, but I will not be going down. Iga, I’m not going down. Because I’ve told you, we play, and then we go. I saw you [pointing to the incorrect mark],” he added.

After a short back-and-forth, Swiatek conceded the argument.

Returning to her position to receive Sabalenka’s second serve, she sported a slight smile.

Nevertheless, TNT commentator Naomi Cavanday asserted that Swiatek was justified in her reaction, especially as players are typically granted extra time to challenge a call due to the absence of Hawk-Eye technology at Roland-Garros.

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“He insists that he won’t come down because you took too long. He argues that she pointed to the wrong mark and that she delayed,” she explained.

“Different umpires may respond differently in such situations. Especially on clay, players are allowed much more time.”

“In this case, he was adamant, saying, ‘you waited until the ball was out and then requested to check the mark’. I feel that players do that frequently on clay.”

“Swiatek clearly communicated to the umpire that it was unjust and he should have come to check the mark,” she added.

“I can affirm we consulted with Hawk-eye, and she was indeed correct.”

At her press conference following the match, the former world No.1 reiterated the chair umpire’s unwillingness to inspect the mark.

“I believe that was unfair,” she stated.

“He seems ready to check every mark whenever Aryna asked, even when they were quite clear,” she remarked.

“Conversely, when I brought up a mark that was out, he suggested I only did so because I noticed my return was out, and was framing the return.”

“I was aware from the outset that the shot would be out, you know. I didn’t really focus on the ball; I simply went to check the mark and confirmed that it was out.”

“I wished for him to come down, but he didn’t. I don’t think that was fair, particularly when he went down every time Aryna requested. It baffles me, but ultimately, I don’t really care.”