Iga Swiatek, who is back to winning ways following her early 2023 Australian Open exit, penned a camera note to her father after a period of intense deliberation, much to the amusement of spectators in Dubai.
Swiatek, who got past Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-2, in the semifinals of the Dubai Open, first wrote out a note on the camera lens before deciding it needed to be altered.
The World No. 1 was then told the message could not be erased and that it was "permanent," prompting her to strike out the original word and proceed with a more elaborate composition.
"It's permanent. A little pressure there, Iga Swiatek?"
The Pole later shed light on what was going through her mind when she decided to take her time with the message. Swiatek was candid enough to admit that she wasn't able to think straight after being focussed on the on-court action that involved physicality while playing.
"Honestly, I didn't know if I should write in Polish or English. Usually after matches when you're, like, focused on playing, your mind is not capable of doing the usual stuff because you're so focused on the physicality and playing," Swiatek stated in the press conference. "Yeah, it was a mess."
Polish fans who keenly observed the proceedings have come out on social media to share more insight on what was struck off the lens.
The note was in fact an adorable invitation for her father to come and witness her playing in the Dubai Open final.
Iga Swiatek to face Barbora Krejcikova in Dubai Open final
Iga Swiatek stormed into the finals of the Dubai Open where she will face Barbora Krejcikova. While she overcame Coca Gauff for the sixth time overall in the semifinals, Swiatek was stretched by the young American who had earlier overcome compatriot Madison Keys.
Despite not being at her best, Iga Swiatek admitted to being down with a bout of cough and cold. The three-time Grand Slam champion had the quality to advance to the finals in Dubai after winning the Qatar Open earlier this month.
She did mention, at a post-match press conference, that it wasn't the first time that she had a cold or cough during a tournament.
"I mean, it don't influence my ability to run or anything. So I feel fine. Obviously this far, I have sore throat. It's like typical. I'm just having a cold, so yeah. Not the first time during the tournaments. I'm already experienced," Iga Swiatek stated.
Swiatek will take on Barbora Krejcikova in the finals of the Dubai Open on Saturday (February 25). The Czech player defeated Jessica Pegula 6-1, 5-7, 6-0 in the semifinals after getting past top-ten players Daria Kasatkina and Aryna Sabalenka earlier in the competition.