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Poland's Iga Swiatek recently smashed a serve into Zheng Qinwen's arm during the warm-up at United Cup 2024. The incident has evoked mixed reactions from tennis fans on the internet.
Swiatek thumped Qinwen in straight sets on Wednesday, December 3, at the RAC Arena in Perth to secure Poland a spot in the semifinals of the United Cup. This is Poland's second successive semifinal appearance; they suffered a heartbreaking loss to eventual champions United States in 2023.
Swiatek and Qinwen shared an uncomfortable moment before it all began on Wednesday. During the warm-up routine, the Pole served right at the Chinese and caught her arm.
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The strike seemingly disappointed Qinwen, who failed to see it coming as she was facing a ball-kid. The World No. 1 quickly apologized but her opponent didn't appear impressed.
Netizens have been divided over the incident. One section of fans believes Swiatek's act was unintentional and that her admission was satisfactory. On the other hand, another set of tennis lovers believes the Pole wasn't honest with her apology.
A fan on X (formerly Twitter) targeted Swiatek, writing:
"You can't buy class, respect and aura. Disgusting stuff from Iga here, if this was [Aryna] Sabalenka or Coco [Gauff] people would be going mad."
Another fan argued that Qinwen should have retaliated.
"Should have smacked one right back at egg," the fan tweeted.
A third fan, however, openly denounced the rhetoric against Iga Swiatek, saying:
"Are people in the quotes for real? XD She apologized like two times. Was she supposed to get on her knees and beg for forgiveness?"
Another user stated:
"I just know Qinwen wanted to slap her in that moment and have her disqualified."
Here are a few more reactions from X:
Iga Swiatek is unbeaten against Zheng Qinwen
Iga Swiatek has faced Zheng Qinwen on five occasions thus far and emerged victorious each time.
The duo first locked horns at the French Open in 2022, when the eventual champion defeated Qinwen with a comeback win in three sets. They met again a few months later at the San Diego Open, where Swiatek doubled her lead in the head-to-head with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 victory.
In 2023, the two squared off at the Stuttgart Open and Cincinnati Masters. The four-time Grand Slam winner bettered Qinwen in straight sets in Stuttgart and secured a 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 win in Cincinnati.
Iga Swiatek's United Cup 2024 win on Wednesday was her fifth on the trot against Zheng Qinwen.
