Iga Swiatek‘s dominant Wimbledon triumph has been overshadowed by public criticism from Brad Gilbert, the former coach of American tennis star Coco Gauff as he slams the Polish woman for her nature of victory.
While Swiatek celebrated her first Wimbledon title and sixth Grand Slam overall, Gilbert’s remarks on social media sparked immediate backlash-particularly from the Pole star’s team.
The 24-year-old dismantled Amanda Anisimova in a merciless 6-0, 6-0 final, becoming the first woman since Steffi Graf in 1988 to win a Grand Slam final without conceding a game.
Yet Gilbert took issue with the nature of the victory, expressing disappointment as he headed to X.com, formerly known as Twitter, to criticize Swiatek for the validity of her win.
“That’s a very sad day for tennis on center court @Wimbledon,” Gilbert initially wrote. “Got to feel for AA. Last time that happened 1988 @rolandgarros, final was like 35 mins Graf vs Zverev.
“Crazy, Iga Pop tourney stat, the highest ranked player she has played this @Wimbledon [Liudmila] Samsonova at 19. AA is ranked 12, not sure when last time someone won a slam without facing a top 10 player.”
His comments were swiftly met with disapproval from Swiatek‘s inner circle. Her physiotherapist, Maciej Ryszczuk, wasted no time responding under the post in defense of his client.
“So low that even you can feel the bottom,” Ryszczuk wrote. “Do your research better. Winning ugly doesn’t mean commenting ugly.”
Gilbert doubles down on Swiatek comment
Gilbert, who coached Gauff during a critical phase in her career from 2023 to 2024, has been known for his blunt commentary. His criticisms came just moments after Swiatek’s historic performance and seemed to undermine her achievement.
By implying the draw had been too soft to warrant such celebration, he stood tall in the face of the criticism and instead doubled down on his opinion by dismissing those calling him out.
“Everyone take a freaking chill pill, it’s Twitter oouch on sensitivity,” Gilbert later added, although he didn’t engage directly with Ryszczuk’s comments, as his tone suggested he was unbothered by the criticism.
Swiatek’s win was a hard-fought milestone following a season filled with setbacks as prior to Wimbledon, the 23-year-old had not won a title since her 2023 French Open victory.
She fell short of expectations at the Australian Open and Roland Garros earlier in the season and suffered a tearful defeat in the final of the Bad Homburg Open against Jessica Pegula.
Wimbledon, traditionally not her strongest surface, marked a dramatic reversal in form in what was one of the most dominant displays in a final in ATP Tour and WTA history.
Swiatek’s display at the All England Club was a testament to that very mindset. She won the match in just 57 minutes, allowing Anisimova only 24 total points and forcing 28 unforced errors. It was a ruthless execution of elite tennis.
Read the full article here
