Iga Swiatek Criticized for Hitting Ball Toward Ball Boy During Indian Wells Match

The incident, which drew boos from the crowd, has sparked discussions over double standards in tennis discipline.

Polish tennis star Iga Swiatek hit a ball toward a ball boy during her Indian Wells semifinal match against 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva, drawing boos from the crowd.
The ball boy raised his hands and avoided contact, but the act was widely criticized as unsportsmanlike behavior.
Swiatek expressed frustration earlier in the match over ball kids moving behind her as she awaited Andreeva’s serve.
Fans and commentators have pointed out perceived double standards, arguing that players like Serena Williams would have faced harsher consequences for similar actions.
Swiatek lost the match in three sets, ending her 10-match win streak at the tournament, while Andreeva went on to win the Indian Wells title.