“I was shocked two years ago”: Iga Swiatek recalls Chinese fans’ kindness amid Townsend and Musetti face backlash

Iga Swiatek, the current World No. 2, opened her China Open campaign with authority, defeating local player Yue Yuan 6-0, 6-3 to secure her spot in the third round. The victory was clinical, but it was her words off the court that drew the most attention during this Asian swing.

At a time when fellow professionals Taylor Townsend and Lorenzo Musetti have been criticised for comments perceived as xenophobic toward Chinese fans, Swiatek’s respectful and grateful approach stood out. Instead of fuelling controversy, she highlighted the generosity and creativity of her supporters in Beijing.

The situation surrounding her colleagues had set a tense backdrop. Townsend’s remarks at the Billie Jean King Cup welcome banquet, where she mocked local food, caused outrage across Chinese social media and forced the American to issue a public apology. Ultimately, she withdrew from both the China Open and the Wuhan Open, missing out on crucial events to close the season.

Musetti also came under fire after allegedly referring to coughing from fans during his matches with a dismissive and derogatory tone. These incidents left a sour taste, making Swiatek’s contrasting words all the more significant.

During her press conference, Swiatek was asked about the fan reception she has experienced in China. Rather than focusing on any negatives, she shared an anecdote that reflected the kindness of local supporters. “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,” she explained. For Swiatek, the gift was not just a gesture of admiration, but a symbol of the cultural bridge tennis creates between athletes and fans. Her smile as she recalled the moment reflected genuine appreciation.

She went further, explaining that this wasn’t an isolated incident. Swiatek remembered her first trip to China two years ago, when she was similarly overwhelmed by gifts and fan support. “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,” she said. Her reflections not only highlighted her humility but also underlined how respect and openness can foster stronger global connections in sport.

Swiatek’s words carried more weight precisely because of the timing. While Townsend and Musetti’s comments risked alienating fans, Swiatek showcased the opposite: an athlete who recognises and values the unique experiences of playing abroad. Her anecdotes about drawings, comic books, and small but heartfelt gifts were a reminder that fandom in tennis often goes far beyond cheering in the stands. It involves creativity, emotional investment, and cultural pride. By embracing that, Swiatek positioned herself as a player who doesn’t just win titles but also wins hearts.

For Chinese fans, her attitude has been a refreshing change. Instead of treating their culture as an obstacle, she celebrated it as a source of energy and motivation. This is a powerful message, especially during a tour segment where cultural misunderstandings have dominated headlines. Swiatek’s comments also reinforce her reputation as a grounded champion—someone who can dominate opponents on court but still stay open to the human side of tennis.