“Hateful, shameful, hurtful”: Chris Evert comes to Iga Swiatek’s defence over social media abuse
WTAMonday, 17 August 2026 at 08:30
Chris Evert has weighed in on the criticism surrounding Iga Swiatek, offering a strong defence of the Polish star after she opened up about the scrutiny she and her team have faced in recent months. Evert's comments came after Swiatek addressed the issue ahead of the Cincinnati Open, following her first WTA 1000 title of the season in Toronto.
Swiatek defeated Elena Rybakina in the Canadian Open final to end a long wait for a trophy, returning to the Top 5 in the process. The result also gave the 25-year-old important momentum before the US Open, but her Toronto triumph was followed by a discussion about the criticism that has surrounded her whenever her performances have fallen short of the extremely high standards she established earlier in her career.
The former world No. 1 has faced particularly intense scrutiny from parts of the Polish media and public, with criticism regularly spilling onto social media after disappointing results. Swiatek acknowledged that the constant judgment had affected both her and her team, while explaining that she had tried to prevent it from influencing her decisions or defining how she viewed herself.
Evert subsequently joined the conversation, focusing less on Swiatek's results and more on what athletes experience away from the court. The 18-time Grand Slam champion argued that social media has dramatically increased the exposure to hateful and hurtful comments, particularly for young athletes who are expected to deal with public judgment while continuing to perform at the highest level.
Chris Evert sends strong message over social media criticism
Swiatek was asked in Cincinnati why she believes the judgment directed at her appears particularly intense in Poland. She rejected the idea that the phenomenon is exclusive to her home country, pointing instead to a wider issue affecting professional athletes across different countries and sports.
“That's an interesting question, I think, for a sociologist or someone, because honestly, it's not only in Poland, but in Great Britain as well, in different countries, for different sports, not only for individual athletes.”
Evert starred in the awards ceremony and the 2023 French Open, where Swiatek emerged as champion after defeating Karolina Muchova in the final.
Swiatek also acknowledged that the criticism had become something she and her team had needed to actively manage, particularly during the previous month.
“There is a lot of judgment from different parts coming to us, and we need to handle it. For sure, last month I faced it, my team faced it, and my goal was not for it to interrupt my process and define who I am, and not be unsure about my decisions, and not let this disrupt anything.”
Evert's response focused on that wider environment and the difference between ordinary sporting criticism and the personal abuse that can now reach athletes directly through social media.
“Sometimes I wonder if people really understand what young athletes in the spotlight have to go through behind the scenes, meaning....hateful comments, shameful comments, hurtful comments… this is what social media has opened up, and there is much more exposure to negative comments.”
The American acknowledged that some people consider criticism part of the price of being a professional athlete, but clearly rejected the idea that this makes the abuse acceptable. “Many would say it's the price to pay, but it's still.... awful…”
Sometimes I wonder if people really understand what young athletes in the spotlight have to go through behind the scenes, meaning....hateful comments, shameful comments, hurtful comments… this is what social media has opened up, and there is much more exposure to negative…
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) August 15, 2026
Swiatek arrives in Cincinnati with momentum
Evert's comments come at a significant moment for Swiatek. Her victory in Toronto was her 12th WTA 1000 title and first trophy since September 2025, while beating Rybakina in the final improved her 2026 record to 29-12.
The title also lifted Swiatek back into the Top 5 and gave her a much-needed confidence boost on hard courts. She now returns to Cincinnati as the defending champion, having defeated Jasmine Paolini in last year's final, with the US Open only two weeks away.
After months in which her performances have often been followed by intense scrutiny, Swiatek has an opportunity to answer the noise in the way she has done throughout her career: on court. For now, Evert has made her own position clear, arguing that whatever comes with being a top athlete, the increasingly personal nature of online criticism should not simply be accepted as part of the job.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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