Iga Swiatek was happy to go at it alone during a doubles match in New York.
Iga Swiatek’s double partner walked off court mid-rally during an exhibition match ahead of the US Open.
The WTA world No.1 was partnered with Sebastian Korda for the friendly contest against Italian duo Matteo Berrettini and Jasmine Paolini.
However, for one of the points Korda and Paolini might as well have been sat on the sidelines because Swiatek and Berrettini were playing as if it was a singles match.
The two shared a lengthy rally that lasted all of 18 shots, with the point eventually going the way of Swiatek after Berrettini struggled to return his Polish opponent’s powerful forehand.
But by the time the point had been contested, Swiatek was the only player on her side of the court, with American Korda having jokingly trundled off the court.
While in jest, it was a move that hinted Swiatek didn’t need his help and was more than capable on her own.
Korda was quick to congratulate his partner though, with the 24-year-old serving up a gigantic high five to the Polish superstar.
Unfortunately for Swiatek and Korda, they would go on to lose the exhibition match, with Berrettini and recent Olympic gold medalist Paolini coming out on top.
It came as part of a warm-up event at the Arthur Ashe Stadium ahead of this year’s US Open.
However, in the build-up to the final Grand Slam of the year, Swiatek has blasted the tennis organisers for scheduling ‘too many tournaments’.
Speaking at last week’s Cincinnati Open, she told Sky Sports: “Well, what can I say? I’ve been kind of an advocate saying that we shouldn’t like, I don’t know, be pushing and pushing for us to play more.
“Obviously it’s not our decision but for sure, I think we have too many tournaments in the season. It’s not going to end well and it makes tennis less fun for us, let’s just say.”
The 23-year-old continued: “Obviously I love playing in all these places but it’s pretty exhausting and I think most of the WTA players would tell you that. Especially when you’re playing at a high level and going to high rounds at every tournament.
“So I don’t think it should be like that because we deserve to rest a little bit more. Obviously maybe people are going to hate me for that.”
The five-time Grand Slam is on the hunt for her second US Open victory, having taken the title for the first and only time in 2022.
