A tense moment unfolded during Iga Swiatek's media conference following her quarter-final exit from the US Open, where the Polish star challenged a reporter who suggested she might require a mental respite.
The world No2 displayed visible irritation when questioned about her fatigue levels after Amanda Anisimova eliminated her 6-4, 6-3 from the tournament.
The exchange grew increasingly uncomfortable when the journalist pressed further about taking time off mentally, prompting Swiatek to respond sharply: "Why would you say that?"
The six-time Grand Slam winner then reversed the inquiry, asking the reporter if he required a mental break himself.
A tense moment unfolded during Iga Swiatek's media conference following her quarter-final exit from the US Open
|SKY SPORTS
When the journalist attempted to explain his reasoning by referencing her consecutive match schedule, Swiatek directed him to "talk to the people responsible for the schedule."
The 24-year-old then asked the reporter: "Do you need a mental break? You look like you need a mental break."
The world No2 then asked the reporter whether they need a mental break
|SKY SPORTS
After the journalist admitted that he did indeed require rest, the 2022 US Open winner retorted: "Well, what are you doing here?"
The reporter explained he needed to cover the tournament until its conclusion, highlighting the demanding nature of both players' and media professionals' schedules during Grand Slam events.
JUST IN: West Ham and Lucas Paqueta consider suing the FA after failed Man City move
Iga Swiatek lost to Amanda Anisimova 6-4, 6-3
|REUTERS
The confrontation occurred after Anisimova secured sweet redemption against the Polish player who had inflicted a devastating 6-0, 6-0 defeat upon her in July's Wimbledon final.
That humiliating loss represented the first double bagel in a women's Wimbledon final for more than a century.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
However, the American turned the tables in New York, breaking Swiatek's serve at crucial moments to advance to the semi-finals.
Despite reaching the last eight, Swiatek appeared dejected during her media obligations, having struggled to impose her usual dominance throughout the tournament.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Amanda Anisimova got revenge on Iga Swiatek after her humiliating 6-0, 6-0 defeat in the Wimbledon final in July
|REUTERS
The defeat marked another disappointment for the four-time French Open champion at Flushing Meadows.
Following the match, Swiatek took to social media to praise Anisimova's performance and revealed she had been managing a foot problem throughout the tournament.
"Playing matches without practising on days off, managing foot issue, pushing through a lot... we made it to the quarter-finals with a lot on our plate and I'm pretty proud of what I did in these circumstances," she posted.
Meanwhile, Anisimova expressed her joy at overcoming the Wimbledon final trauma, stating: "To come back from Wimbledon like that is really special to me."
The American acknowledged the difficulty of facing Swiatek, calling her "one of the toughest players I've ever played."