Iga Świątek Faces Security Threats at Miami Open

MIAMI, FL — Iga Świątek, the world No. 2 and five-time major champion, has been provided with enhanced security at the Miami Open after receiving threats and hate speech from a spectator, according to her spokesperson.

“Security is a top priority,” the spokesperson said in an email. “We monitor the network to catch these types of issues. Constructive criticism is one thing, but threats and hate speech cannot be condoned.”

The tournament organizers, along with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), have taken additional precautions following the incident. “We reported the matter to the tournament organizer, as well as to the WTA, which reacted immediately,” the spokesperson added.

Świątek, aiming for her second title at the Miami Open, faced a surprising defeat in the quarterfinals against Filipino player Alexandra Eala, who won 6-2, 7-5. Eala’s victory marked her third win against a Grand Slam champion in this tournament, solidifying her remarkable performance as a wild card.

“It’s a shame it had to happen in a great setting like Miami,” Świątek remarked after the match. “I hope to stay focused on my game, and safety is now a bigger concern during competition.”

The incident underscores ongoing concerns about athlete safety, particularly in light of previous instances, such as the case involving Emma Raducanu, who faced a man displaying fixation behavior at the Dubai Tennis Championships last month.

The WTA emphasized that player safety is paramount. “The WTA works closely with tournaments and their security teams to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants,” they said in a statement. “There are comprehensive security protocols in place to manage any incidents effectively.”

Local police have been contacted for further comment on the spectator’s behavior, while the Miami Open released a statement affirming their commitment to the safety of all players and spectators. “We take any potential threats very seriously and respond appropriately, although we do not disclose specific security measures,” the statement read.

Earlier in March, Świątek opened up about the mental toll of her one-month doping suspension that resulted from a positive test for trimetazidine, a substance believed to have been ingested inadvertently through contaminated melatonin. “I felt like my career was hanging by a thread,” she expressed on social media, reflecting on the emotional strain she endured during that period.

Despite her struggles, Świątek rebounded by reaching the semifinals in the Australian Open and Indian Wells, though she has yet to win a title since her return. The current Miami Open has seen her face an uphill battle, now compounded by concerns over safety.

As the tournament continues, attention will shift to the women’s singles final, where top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka will compete against No. 4 seed Jessica Pegula. This matchup marks a significant moment in 2025, as the winner will achieve a notable milestone in the WTA Tour’s history.