Breaking News: I Was Shocked When I came here – Iga Swiatek expresses genuine sentiments about Asian tennis, reacting with surprise upon arriving, amid the xenophobia controversies involving Townsend and Musetti.
Iga Swiatek praised the Chinese fans for their thoughtful gifts to players amid the xenophobia allegations against Taylor Townsend and Lorenzo Musetti in China. Swiatek received a ‘comic book’ from a fan, and she called it “beautiful.”
After her win over Yue Yuan in the second round of the WTA 1000 event in Beijing, Swiatek sat for a press conference. A reporter mentioned that they found out about the Pole receiving a ‘fan book’ and further asked about her reaction to the ‘general fan vibe’ in China.
“I don’t know if we’re talking about the same thing. Yeah, I got like a book with drawings. It was like a comic book. It was beautiful. People are really talented,” Iga Swiatek said.
She expressed deep appreciation for the effort Asian fans put into creating meaningful gifts for players. She reflected on how touched she was when she first received such presents two years ago.
“I was shocked two years ago when I came here and I got gifts like that because I never experienced that before. Now it’s even more, I would say. People are really thankful and grateful for us coming and playing, sometimes inspiring them. Yeah, it’s something for sure that will motivate us, as well. It’s great,” Swiatek added.
Swiatek’s comments come amid two tennis stars facing xenophobia controversies. American tennis star Taylor Townsend sparked backlash after posting videos in Shenzhen during the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup, where she mocked Chinese cuisine. She was accused of cultural insensitivity and xenophobia.
Townsend later issued a heartfelt apology, saying she understood her comments were hurtful. Italian player Lorenzo Musetti was heard muttering during a match in Beijing:
“Those damn Chinese are always coughing,” referring to crowd disruptions.
His remark was condemned as xenophobic. Musetti apologised publicly, clarifying that the comment was made in frustration about individuals, not all Chinese people.
