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    Home / News / Sports News / Australian Open: Swiatek faces backlash over 'unsporting behavior' in semi-final
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    Australian Open: Swiatek faces backlash over 'unsporting behavior' in semi-final
    Swiatek was defeated by Madison Keys in a thrilling Australian Open semi-final

    Australian Open: Swiatek faces backlash over 'unsporting behavior' in semi-final

    By Pavan Thimmaiah
    Jan 24, 2025
    11:24 am

    What's the story

    Women's singles world number two, Iga Swiatek is being slammed for her behavior during the 2025 Australian Open semi-final against Madison Keys.

    The controversy started when Swiatek took a long toilet break after Keys made a stunning comeback to win the second set 6-1.

    The incident came just a day after she was accused of "cheating" for smashing a return off Ema Navarro even though the ball bounced twice, in the quarter-finals of the same tournament.

    Delayed return

    Swiatek's delayed return and shadow practice irks Keys

    Swiatek's late return to the court after her break left Keys confused and frustrated, who was all set to serve for the third set.

    Additionally, the American player even requested the chair umpire to step in.

    However, when Swiatek returned, she took some time for shadow practice before taking her position for the receive, much to Keys's dismay.

    Online backlash

    Social media criticizes Swiatek's actions as 'dirty tactics'

    Swiatek's antics during the match were widely condemned on social media, with netizens calling her behavior "dirty tactics."

    However, despite the controversy, Keys kept her cool and served an ace in the deciding set.

    The American eventually won a thrilling semi-final against Swiatek with a final-set tiebreak of 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (8).

    Historic victory

    Keys triumphs over Swiatek in historic Australian Open semi-final

    Keys's win over Swiatek was her first final in Melbourne and only her second in Grand Slams.

    The match lasted two hours and 35 minutes, marking only the first instance of an Australian Open semi-final being decided by a third-set 10-point tiebreak.

    An emotional Keys said after her win, "That match was just such a high level and she played so well."

    Rule debate

    Swiatek's previous controversy sparks debate on tennis rules

    The controversy over Swiatek's actions in her match against Navarro has reignited a debate on tennis rules.

    Some fans accused Swiatek of lacking integrity, suggesting that she should have willingly given up the point to Navarro.

    Others blamed the match official for not calling out the double bounce.

    The incident has also raised questions over the use of video reviews and let machines on nets in Grand Slam tournaments.

    Twitter Post

    WATCH: Swiatek's tactics against Keys 

    Swiatek's dirty tactics are back.
    She loses the set 6-1 and makes Keys wait on her to serve. Keys clearly not happy pic.twitter.com/YJ3OpPdubU

    — ATP WTA DRAMA ALERT 🔍 (@tennisooc) January 23, 2025
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