Iga Świątek impressively defeated Emma Navarro 6-1, 6-2 in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. During a crucial moment in the second set, the American had a grudge after one of the Pole’s plays. Replays showed that she was right.
There was a big controversy in the fifth game when Świątek had to defend a break point. The Pole won a point, and then another one, and she had the advantage. During the action, Navarro played a shortcut, which Świątek reached a bit too late. She returned the ball, and a moment later won the action and the entire game, but the American had complaints.
As replays showed, the Pole hit the shortcut after the ball touched the court twice on her side. The umpire made a mistake in this situation, as she did not see the ball bounce the second time. Navarro can also blame herself, as she continued the action and lost the chance for video verification.
Sports Illustrated journalist points out Świątek’s mistake. “She would show honesty”
Jon Wertheim, a journalist from Sports Illustrated, citing the words of Martina Navratilova suggests that Świątek could have been aware that the ball bounced twice.
— Martina Navratilova is one of many former stars who claim that top players instinctively know whether the ball will bounce once or twice. Even if you take Swiatek’s word that she’s not sure whether her bounce was legal — note her lack of celebration after she won that point — writes the American.
If she had admitted she was right, it would have been a huge sporting gesture. If she had won the match later, she would have shown honesty on her way to the quarterfinals. Instead, she left a bad taste in the mouths of many observers,” Wertheim wrote.
The American added that the Polish player’s gesture would be particularly well-received also due to the fact that it was the first Grand Slam tournament for the WTA vice-leader after a month-long suspension.
