Tennis world in disbelief as journalist asks Iga Swiatek about wearing beads in hair
A journalist has turned a US Open press conference into a “sh**show” after asking an utterly bizarre question to the tournament’s No.2 seed Iga Swiatek.
In her second round match, the in-form Swiatiak made a host of errors and lost the second set before regrouping to defeat Dutchwoman Suzan Lamens 6-1 4-6 6-4 at Flushing Meadows.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Iga Swiatek responds to odd question at US Open.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.It was the Wimbledon winner’s 16th win from 17 matches and she undoubtedly thought a discussion about her form, or the fact that she was stretched by Lamens would follow.
Sadly, it wasn’t to be with the media conference derailed by a journalist. And Swiatek was stunned.
“What kind of question is this?” she said in disbelief.
“I’m sorry. ‘Did you think about putting beads in your hair?’ No. What’s going on here?”
Swiatek look disgusted and then put her head in her hands.
The post-game press conference had already become farcical after multiple questions about the confrontation between Jelena Ostapenko and American Taylor Townsend.
She had also batted off questions about double standards in tennis between men and women, saying she was not comfortable talking “about the whole of women’s sport”.
It is unclear if the journalist who asked about beads in the hair had an ulterior motive.
If he was trying to stir the pot, he certainly did that.
High-profile journalist journalist Ben Rothenberg was furious.
“S***show end to Swiatek’s press conference, golly christ,” he said on X (formally Twitter).
And tennis account Olly Tennis vented: “WHAT IS THIS QUESTION?”
Fans were also up in arms but also praised Swiatek for how she managed it.
“Very weird question. Some journalists intentionally bask disingenuous questions to put athletes on the spot. Nice response,” one fan said.
And another: “The American media is the enemy of the people.”
And another: “Tennis journalism is in the gutter.”
And another: “The level of some journalists has reached rock bottom.”
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
