LONDON — Iga Świątek, the newly crowned Wimbledon champion, has openly criticized the tournament’s organization after her victory in the ladies’ singles final, claiming that certain aspects of the event were mishandled. The Polish star, who secured her first Wimbledon title in a thrilling three-set battle, did not hold back in her post-match comments, stating, "You did it wrong."
Świątek’s remarks came after a series of controversies during her time at SW19, including scheduling conflicts, crowd behavior, and what she described as inadequate player accommodations. The world No. 1, known for her composed demeanor, surprised many with her candid feedback, emphasizing that while she was grateful for the win, improvements were necessary. "Wimbledon is iconic, but even legends can make mistakes," she added.
Scheduling and Crowd Concerns
One of Świątek’s primary grievances was the tournament’s scheduling, which she argued disproportionately favored certain players. "I played three matches in four days, while others had longer breaks," she noted. The Pole also criticized the late-night finishes on Centre Court, which she claimed disrupted recovery routines.
- Late matches affecting sleep and preparation
- Inconsistent rest periods between rounds
- Lack of consideration for players’ physical demands
Additionally, Świątek addressed the crowd’s behavior during her matches, particularly in the semifinals, where she felt some spectators were disrespectful. "Tennis is a sport of respect, and I expect that from everyone—players, officials, and fans," she stated.
Player Facilities and Accommodations
Beyond scheduling, Świątek raised concerns about the quality of player facilities at Wimbledon. While the All England Club is renowned for its traditions, she argued that modern athletes require better support. "We’re not in the 1980s anymore. Recovery tools, nutrition, and privacy matter," she said.
Reports from other players echoed her sentiments, with some describing cramped locker rooms and limited access to physiotherapists. Świątek suggested that Wimbledon could learn from other Grand Slams, such as the Australian Open, which has invested heavily in player amenities.
The Strawberry Debate
In a lighter but pointed critique, Świątek even took issue with Wimbledon’s famous strawberries and cream. "They’re overpriced and not even that fresh. Maybe focus less on tradition and more on quality," she quipped, sparking mixed reactions from fans.
Tournament Officials Respond
Wimbledon organizers acknowledged Świątek’s feedback in a statement, saying, "We appreciate all player input and will review our policies to ensure the best possible experience for competitors." However, they defended their scheduling decisions, citing unpredictable weather and broadcast demands.
Former champions also weighed in. Martina Navratilova sided with Świątek on scheduling, while Roger Federer praised Wimbledon’s traditions but admitted, "There’s always room for improvement."
A Champion’s Perspective
Despite her criticisms, Świątek emphasized her love for Wimbledon and its history. "Winning here was a dream, but dreams can be even better with small changes," she said. Her victory marked her fifth Grand Slam title, solidifying her dominance in women’s tennis.
The 23-year-old’s outspokenness has sparked debates about player welfare in tennis. While some argue that Wimbledon’s charm lies in its traditions, others believe modernization is overdue. Świątek’s comments may prompt reforms, ensuring future champions face fewer hurdles.
As the tennis world digests her remarks, one thing is clear: Iga Świątek isn’t just a champion on the court—she’s also a voice for change. "If no one speaks up, nothing improves," she concluded.