"We are fighting for our lives" - Iga Swiatek pleads with French Open crowd not to 'scream' after surviving Naomi Osaka scare

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek requested the French Open crowd to refrain from "screaming" during rallies. Her comments came after she survived a scare from Naomi Osaka to advance to the third round of the Claycourt Slam.

Swiatek and Osaka locked horns on May 29 in a match between two four-time Grand Slam champions. While the Pole was the clear favorite to come out on top, Osaka stunned everyone with her abilities and gave her opponent a very tough time.

Osaka was at her very best, playing lights-out tennis, but missed a match point and allowed Swiatek to recover from a 2-5 deficit in the final set. The 22-year-old kept her winning run in Paris going, ultimately winning 7-6(1), 1-6, 7-5 in two hours and 57 minutes.

However, defending champion Iga Swiatek wasn't pleased with the French Open crowd. During her on-court interview, she pleaded with them not to "scream" during rallies as it hinders a player's focus.

"I have huge respect for you guys and I know we are playing for you, but sometimes under a lot of pressure when you scream something during the rally, it’s really hard to be focused," the World No. 1 said.

"I usually don’t bring this up because I want to be a player that’s in the zone and focused. But this is serious for us. We’re fighting our whole lives to be better and better. Sometimes it’s hard to accept that. The stakes are big. There’s a lot of money to win. Losing a few points may change a lot," she added.

The Pole continued:

"Please, guys, if you can support us between the rallies but not during, that would be great. I hope you’re still gonna like me because I know French crowd might get some players they don’t like and boo. But I love you guys and always love playing here, so let’s continue that."

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Iga Swiatek on confronting French Open crowd: "I hope they understand it and don't treat me badly"

Iga Swiatek

Iga Swiatek explained again after the match why she addressed the French Open crowd, expressing that while their energy is appreciated, it can be challenging when they shout while players are deeply focused on the match.

"I know that they are an enthusiastic audience, but I wanted to make it clear that it is not easy for the tennis players to manage those shouts when we have so much at stake," Swiatek said (via Punto de Break).

The World No. 1 added:

"I just hope they understand that the rule is not to make noise in the middle of a point. Maybe I didn't take a good decision to say that on the court, but I hope they understand it and don't treat me badly."

Swiatek will face off against the winner of the match between Marie Bouzkova and Jana Fett in the third round on May 31.