Iga Swiatek was recently reminded of the fact that her mixed doubles entry at the 2019 Australian Open with compatriot Lukasz Kubot was a wildcard entry. Upon hearing this, the former World No. 1 in women’s singles tennis seemed a little agitated about it as she claimed to think that she had never used a wildcard in her career. Subsequently, several tennis fans poked fun at the six-time singles Major champion.
During a press conference at the ongoing 2026 United Cup, where she was joined by teammate and ATP star Hubert Hurkacz, Swiatek was given the reminder by a reporter, to which she playfully replied:
“Was that a wildcard? Oh I thought I never used a wildcard in my life. So I ruined the stat for the mixed doubles? But for singles I never did I guess, still.”
Some tennis fans on X (formerly Twitter) perceived Swiatek’s response to be shade thrown at her WTA Tour rival Emma Raducanu, who used to be ridiculed by fans for getting wildcard entries into various tournaments on the back of her surprising women’s singles title triumph at the 2021 US Open.
“Ohhh this Raducanu shade😭😭😭”
Another commented with a picture of Raducanu:
“Nobody is taking her wildcard crown. Ever.”
Others delivered a myriad of reactions as they poked fun at the current World No. 2 in women’s singles tennis.
“Please, someone hug her 😭”
“Her inherent competitiveness was triggered lolololol”
“She doesn’t want to ever use a WC so she’s retiring as soon as she gets washed huh”
“Dont scare her like that ever again”
Iga Swiatek and rest of Polish contingent to square off against Australia in United Cup 2026 QF
Team Poland is still going strong at the 2026 United Cup. Having finished as the runner-up at the 2024 and 2025 editions of the annual international mixed team tennis event, the Poles would like to finally lay their hands on the trophy this time around. To get a step closer to achieving the feat though, they need to overcome the threat of home favorites Australia in the quarterfinals.
If Swiatek and company do get the better of the Aussies, they will go on to face Team USA in the semifinals, in what would be a repeat of last year’s final, where Swiatek suffered a straight-set loss to Coco Gauff. In the quarterfinal tie against Australia in Sydney, the 24-year-old is slated to lock horns with Maya Joint.
Read More News:
Iga Swiatek’s United Cup Match vs 19-Year-Old Aussie Reminds Her Of Ashleigh Barty
Real extent of Emma Raducanu’s injury and current status ahead of Australian Open 2026
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
