During a key group match at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Iga Swiatek approached the chair umpire to complain about a disruptive spectator. Despite winning the first set in a tie-break against Amanda Anisimova, Swiatek was disturbed by a fan's behaviour.
The Polish Wimbledon champion claimed that a fan was "clearly drunk" and shouted between the first and second serves, interrupting the flow of the game. She urged the umpire to take action:
He is clearly drunk, can you kick him out? He is disturbing the game, he is shouting during the second serve.
The chair umpire replied that removal was not immediately possible but would attempt to speak with the spectator:
I cannot kick him out for that, I will see if we can talk to him.
Despite Swiatek's early lead, Amanda Anisimova came back from a set down to defeat her and secure a spot in the semi-finals.
The match highlighted challenges players face with crowd disturbances during important matches, impacting Swiatek’s concentration amid the high-stakes setting.
Author’s summary: Iga Swiatek called for the removal of a disruptive, intoxicated fan during her WTA Finals match, showing the impact of crowd behaviour on professional tennis.