"Dirty tactics?" Iga Swiatek criticised after dramatic loss to Keys at Australian Open

Iga Swiatek faced heavy criticism on social media and was accused of "dirty tactics" during her loss to Madison Keys at the Australian Open. The world No. 2 was considered a favourite to reach the final but was stunned by the American, who mounted a comeback and even saved a match point to claim a 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 [10-8] victory.

At the start of the third set, after Keys levelled the match, Iga Swiatek's behaviour sparked backlash on social media. She was criticised for making Keys wait to serve after the chair umpire had called "time."

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The Polish player even made movements that forced the American to delay her serve for several seconds, a move that didn’t seem to sit well with Keys, who responded with an ace to open the set.

"Iga Swiatek dirty tactics against Madison Keys. Why did umpire not give her a time violation warning? 🤔🤔" posted one fan.

"It is ridiculous how Swiatek does this every match!! She never even gets a warning :(," another replied.

"Rules are rules unless you’re Iga Swiatek," one fan commented.

"Genuinely such an unlikeable personality and such an attitude problem. I think Madison Keys just got a whole load of new fans today 😏," added another.

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The third set was a rollercoaster, with both players saving break opportunities without gaining a clear edge. Swiatek secured a break to go up 6-5 and served for the match but squandered a match point, allowing Keys to take it to a 10-point tiebreak, where the American ultimately prevailed.

Check out more comments and criticism against Swiatek for her behaviour during the match against Keys below.

“I love Maddy so I’m thrilled that she won - and that she knocked out Iga at the same time is a bonus 🥳

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