Wilander defends Swiatek criticism over hand gestures: "I think players and fans are looking at any break in the armour"

Mats Wilander spoke out in defence of Iga Swiatek and her hand-waving thing that was widely criticised in the tennis community.

The Polish player did it twice this year and she apologized for it explaining that it's an involuntary reaction when under a lot of stress. Many consider it unsportsmanlike conduct, one that has no place at the highest level of tennis, and not from a player that is skilful enough to win points without tricks like that.

Wilander spoke to Eurosport on that explaining his views on the situation:

“I think part of being a tennis player today and getting the most out of yourself, I think what you project outwards is really important, because the other players are soaking up what they see. If I was the coach, would I try to get her to tone that down? Most probably because other players eat it up, but at the same time we want you to be yourself, and if that what comes out, that needs to come out of you.”

He continued:

Iga Swiatek is driven, and when you’re that driven, sometimes you don’t know what you do physically in terms of arms up in the air or whatever so I don’t think it’s anything to worry about. But I think for other players, yeah they look at it, and try to think ‘wow, maybe she’s a bit disappointed in herself’.”