A stark contrast! Swiatek shares her feelings about her first visit to China: I was truly amazed.

Recently, two controversial incidents occurred during the China season: American player Townsend uploaded a video mocking Chinese cuisine while participating in the Billie Jean King Cup finals in Shenzhen, which was criticized for lacking cultural sensitivity and even having xenophobic undertones. Townsend later issued a sincere apology, admitting that her remarks had hurt others.

Meanwhile, Italian player Musetti was overheard complaining about the audience’s coughing during a match in Beijing, saying, “Those damn Chinese people are always coughing.” This statement was immediately condemned as xenophobic. The two-time ATP singles champion publicly apologized on Instagram yesterday evening, expressing deep regret for his words. He explained that the intense and tense second-round match led him to momentarily direct frustration at some spectators, but he sincerely regretted the entire incident.

On Instagram, Musetti wrote: “I want to sincerely apologize for the words I said out of frustration during yesterday’s match. Those words were never meant to target the Chinese people. It was just a moment of pressure and tension during the second-set tiebreak, but that is no excuse.”

In sharp contrast, Swiatek praised the thoughtful gifts prepared by Chinese tennis fans during the China Open. She revealed that she received a “comic book” from a fan and described it as “very beautiful.”

After winning her second-round match against Yuan Yue at the WTA1000 event in Beijing, Swiatek was asked about this during the press conference. When a reporter mentioned the “fan book” she received and asked about her overall impression of the Chinese fans’ atmosphere, Swiatek replied, “I’m not sure if we’re talking about the same thing. Yes, I got a book with illustrations, kind of like a comic. It’s really beautiful. Everyone is so talented.”

She expressed special thanks to the Asian fans for their thoughtful gifts and recalled how moved she was when she first received a present here: “I was amazed the first time I came here two years ago because I had never experienced anything like it before. Now there are even more gifts. I can feel that people really appreciate us coming to play, and sometimes we can inspire them. That feeling motivates us in return, which is wonderful.”

Currently ranked second in the world, Swiatek is enjoying a consistent and standout season. She maintained a high level from the start of the year but truly broke through during the grass-court season: first reaching the final in Bad Homburg, then winning her Grand Slam title at Wimbledon.

She continued her strong form by claiming the title in Cincinnati, advancing deep into the US Open, and winning the Korea Open. At the China Open, she had a first-round bye, defeated Yuan Yue in the second round, and has improved her season record to 58 wins and 13 losses. Next, she will face Colombian player Osorio in the third round, marking their second career meeting, with Swiatek currently leading 1-0.

Swiatek’s statements amid the controversies stand out as especially genuine and valuable. Through her experience, she affirmed the passion and creativity of Chinese fans, showcasing the positive and warm side of sports exchanges. Compared to the disputes sparked by negative remarks, Swiatek’s attitude reflects the grace and magnanimity expected of a top athlete.

As her journey in the China Open continues, Swiatek not only maintains her stable and impressive performance on the court but also conveys respect and kindness through her actions off the court. This dual influence has earned her not only victories and honors but also the heartfelt love and respect of fans.(Source: Tennis Home Author: Spark)