"How disrespectful" - Fans call out Iga Swiatek after World No. 2 snubs umpire after brutal WTA Finals loss to Elena Rybakina

Iga Swiatek was stunned by Elena Rybakina 3-6, 6-1, 6-0 in the WTA Finals group stage match. Swiatek, who earlier defeated Madison Keys in straight sets, was completely overpowered by Rybakina in the final two sets, leading to frustration from the Polish star after the game.

After Rybakina won the match point, the two tennis stars shook each other's hands at the net. While Rybakina went forward to do the customary handshake with the chair umpire, Swiatek went straight to her bench to her belongings.

One fan found this gesture from the Polish star disrespectful. The fan wrote:

"How disrespectful not to shake the hand with the chair umpire. Like at the Olympics after the loss against Zheng."

Fans were also amused by such a reaction from Swiatek, as there appeared to be no bad calls that would have prompted such ignorance.

"I get being upset with yourself but the umpire has nothing to do with you sending forehands out to Mars. It’s just disrespectful; be as mad as you like but respect the rules of the game," another fan wrote. "Ms Trimetazidine has recently shown herself to be a very sore loser," one fan added. "Don't expect much from someone who tested positive for doping," one fan reacted. "When I finally start to like Iga more than Sabalenka she does this," one fan posted.

Some fans admired Rybakina, given the way she completely dominated World No. 2 in the last two sets.

"Yikes, Rybakina completely destroyed Swiatek today 🤯🔥 And Iga also got fully fed to capacity 🥖🥯" one fan said. "Swiatek had game point(s) in just 3 of her service games and zero break points in the final 2 sets combined. Incredible performance from Rybakina," one fan added.

Iga Świątek battles through highs and lows in WTA Finals 2025

Iga Swiatek entered the 2025 WTA Finals as the second seed behind only World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. She required just 61 minutes to defeat Madison Keys 6-1, 6-2.

"Kind of (happy) with everything," Swiatek said. "Mostly my serve and overall focus. I was in the zone from the beginning to the end, and I really wanted to keep it that way."

However, her defeat against Elena Rybakina has made things a little difficult. If she wins the remaining game against Amanda Anisimova, she will be assured a semifinal spot.

Edited by Krutik Jain