Iga Swiatek, the world No. 2 and five-time Grand Slam champion, recently opened up about a disturbing incident that marred her experience at the 2025 Miami Open, revealing the emotional toll of being targeted by a harassing spectator. The Polish tennis star, known for her composure on the court, faced an unsettling confrontation during a practice session, prompting swift action from tournament organizers and the WTA. Now, as she prepares for the clay-court season at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Swiatek has shared her perspective, emphasizing resilience and gratitude for the support that helped her navigate the ordeal.
The incident occurred during a practice session before her third-round match against Elise Mertens in Miami. A man, who had previously sent abusive messages to Swiatek online, appeared at the Hard Rock Stadium and shouted personal insults, including remarks about her family and her sports psychologist, Daria Abramowicz. The aggressor’s taunts, such as “Hey Iga, call your mother!” and comments mocking Abramowicz, were intended to disrupt her focus, escalating his online harassment into a real-world encounter. “The Miami incident appears to be a direct transition from verbal aggression online to harassment in the real world,” her team noted at the time, highlighting the seriousness of the breach. Swiatek’s representatives promptly reported the matter, leading to enhanced security measures, including an escort for her post-match interviews and a ban on the individual attending her matches.
Reflecting on the episode in Stuttgart, Swiatek downplayed the remarks themselves but acknowledged the broader context. “Well, I wouldn’t call it a threat because it wasn’t that hard,” she said, demonstrating her effort to stay focused on the positive. However, she admitted to being rattled by threatening posts she later saw online from the same individual. “I think there were some threats on the internet, so the WTA helped me react quickly and made me feel secure,” she added, expressing relief at the swift response. Her team’s vigilance in monitoring online activity ensured the issue was addressed before it could escalate further, a precaution Swiatek credited for her ability to continue competing.
The harassment came at a challenging time for Swiatek, who was still adjusting to the spotlight following a suspension in 2024 for a non-intentional doping violation involving contaminated melatonin. Despite reaching the semifinals at the Australian Open and Indian Wells in 2025, she faced intense scrutiny, with every move dissected by fans and critics alike. “After having such great seasons, I’ve been in the spotlight, and my every move is kind of judged,” she shared, offering insight into the pressures of fame. The Miami incident, while unsettling, didn’t derail her focus entirely—she powered through to the quarterfinals, only to fall to wildcard Alexandra Eala in a 6-2, 7-5 upset. Asked if the security situation affected her preparation, Swiatek was resolute: “No, I wouldn’t say so.”
The WTA and Miami Open organizers acted decisively, reinforcing their commitment to player safety. “Player safety is our top priority,” the WTA stated, outlining their protocols to handle such incidents discreetly but effectively. Swiatek’s team echoed this sentiment, stressing that while constructive criticism is part of the sport, “threats, hate speech, or even disturbance during training” cross an unacceptable line. The episode drew parallels to a recent incident involving Emma Raducanu in Dubai, where a stalker’s presence left the British player shaken, underscoring the growing need for robust security measures in women’s tennis.
Swiatek’s ability to compartmentalize the incident speaks to her mental fortitude, honed by years of working with Abramowicz. “I try to focus on the fans that are giving me support,” she said, redirecting her energy toward the positive. Her team, including coach Wim Fissette and PR manager Daria Sulgostowska, provided a crucial buffer, allowing her to maintain her rhythm. “I’m happy that I have my team around me that helps me in this kind of situation,” she noted, crediting their support for helping her move forward.
As Swiatek shifts her focus to clay, where she’s a three-time French Open champion, the Miami incident serves as a reminder of the challenges athletes face off the court. Her candor in addressing the situation highlights her growth as a public figure, unafraid to confront adversity while staying true to her goals. With the Stuttgart tournament underway, fans are eager to see her reclaim her dominance, free from distractions, on a surface where she’s long been unstoppable.