French Open champion Iga Swiatek was baffled after being asked about her use of makeup after her second title win at Roland Garros.
The world number one Pole mercilessly beaten Coca Gauff 6-1, 6-3 in just over an hour in the final, with the American unrivaled for her poignant ground hits.
The victory pushed Swiatek’s winning streak to 35, the longest in women’s tennis since 2000, with the tennis superstar claiming six straight titles in the process.
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However, the post-match press conference on Sunday (AEST) was somewhat overshadowed by a journalist who was more interested in his appearance than in his ability on the court.
“Out of court, when you go to a party, do you wear makeup?” the journalist asked.
“Do you like to be smart and intelligent, etc.?
“Because a lot of players we’ve seen in the past stayed in front of the mirror for hours before going to the court and putting on makeup and it seems very natural that way.”
Iga Swiatek from Poland celebrates with the trophy on the podium. Credit: DeFodi Images / DeFodi Images via Getty Images
The 21-year-old calmly sent the question with a simple, “Okay, thank you.”
However, other journalists were clearly upset by the incident, especially after tennis stars such as Naomi Osaka denounced the disrespect of members of the media group in recent years.
Tennis station Catherine Whitaker was one of the members of the media who asked the question.
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“Tell me, what do your makeup preferences say about your personality?” Whittaker wrote.
Whittaker went on to say that these questions “ruin it for everyone.”
“Actually, most (here anyway) ask brilliant questions. But questions like this ruin it for everyone.
“I should add that it was a question at an otherwise brilliant press conference. Reflective and relevant questions from journalists and Swiatek’s thoughtful and insightful answers.
“That’s what the player and the media deserve.”
Iga Swiatek from Poland celebrates during the women’s final. Credit: DeFodi Images / DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Champion tells Ukraine to “be strong”
Earlier, Swiatek devoted a moment to his victory speech to offer support and wishes of hope for Ukraine.
The Pole, who played the entire tournament with a blue and yellow bow attached to her cap, said on Saturday: “I would like to say something in Ukraine. Be strong, the war is still there.
From my first speech in Doha (in February), I basically hoped that when I did the next one the situation would improve.
“But I still have hopes and I’m trying to support him, so thank you guys,” the 21-year-old said amid applause from the crowd on the Philippe Chatrier track.
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Swiatek had addressed the situation in Ukraine following his title victory in Doha on February 26, two days after Russian troops launched the invasion.
Men’s and women’s tennis tours have banned international team competitions in Russia and Belarus after the invasion, which Moscow calls a “special military operation,” but has allowed players from both countries to compete as neutrals.
Poland was the European Union country that in March granted temporary protection to the largest number of Ukrainians fleeing the war, with 675,085 Ukrainians seeking refuge there, according to EU data.
Gauff praised Swiatek for mentioning Ukraine, saying it was important to talk about it.
“I think it’s wonderful that he put this (Ukraine) in his speech. I thought he was very kind and thoughtful of her,” said Gauff, who earlier this week called for an end to the armed violence in the United States after the recent mass shootings.
Iga Swiatek celebrates his second victory at the French Open at Roland Garros. Credit: AP
“I think it’s important to use sport as a platform in general. It is important that we mention these things. Writing something won’t end it … but for me, it’s about influencing the leaders who are in charge and the leaders around the world maybe to hear that message. “
The war has caused Europe’s worst refugee crisis since the end of World War II, as more than six million people fled Ukraine, according to a United Nations migration report.
Swiatek, who fell just one set throughout the tournament, had previously cried over hearing the Polish national anthem after his victory.
– With Reuters
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