Andy Roddick thinks Iga Swiatek has made a big mistake after incident at Indian Wells

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Iga Swiatek failed in her quest to win a third career Indian Wells title, falling to defeat in the semi-finals.

The Polish world number two suffered another heart-breaking defeat in 2025, as Swiatek was beaten by Mirra Andreeva in California.

Swiatek was looking to advance to her first final of the season, having lost at the semi-final stage in two of her previous three tournaments.

It wasn’t to be, however, as the 23-year-old lost to Andreeva in three sets, 6-7, 6-1, 3-6, handing the Russian a 2-1 head-to-head lead.

During the match, Swiatek hit a ball toward a ball boy, causing many fans to criticize the world number two for her behavior.

Swiatek then released a lengthy statement on social media, saying she ‘didn’t expect such harsh judgments.’

One American ATP legend has now shared his thoughts on Swiatek’s statement and suggested what he may have done differently.

Andy Roddick thinks Iga Swiatek has made a mistake by releasing ‘ten-page’ social media statement.

Speaking on his Served with Andy Roddick podcast, former world number one Andy Roddick gave his honest opinion on Swiatek’s statement.

“We all do petulant stuff on the court where we break stuff, we do stuff,” he said.

“Would it have been easier for Iga [Swiatek] instead of this ten-page explanation where now you’re re-inviting the conversation about the doping ban back in, and or qualifying behavior, that you smacked a ball, nearly hit a ball kid, lucky you didn’t, and it’s petulant behavior.

“If I went in there, and they go you know ‘Andy you acted like a brat’, I go ‘Yeah you know what you’re right, I acted like a brat, it probably won’t be the last time but I’m working on it’, that’s the end of the conversation.”

Roddick then revealed what he would’ve tried to do in Swiatek’s position had he nearly hit a ball kid.

“I would’ve said can someone find that ball kid, let me apologize in person, give them a racket, sign it, he’s good with me so hopefully the rest of you are too,” he said.

“I f—– up today, that’s it, it’s over.”

The American star discussed the controversy with four-time Grand Slam champion Kim Clijsters, who wasn’t too impressed with Swiatek’s behavior.

“I have a lot of questions, I didn’t read the statement, I wonder where that’s all coming from,” she said.

“It was basically like you’ve made mistakes too, you’re overreacting, I can’t make mistakes, when I don’t do this you call me robotic,” said Roddick.

“Slam your racket if you’re mad, the ball kids need to be left alone,” added Clijsters.

Roddick also suggested what he thinks will happen to Swiatek now, after she released the statement on social media.

“Iga will be asked more about this incident and she then re-invited the question about the last six months by spending ten pages on it,” he said.

“That’s maybe unfair but, I would think less is more here, just own it and be done with it.”

Iga Swiatek’s controversial incidents on the WTA Tour in 2025

Swiatek has found herself at the center of several controversial incidents on the WTA Tour so far this year.

From the United Cup in January to Indian Wells in March, the Pole continues to receive criticism for her actions on the court.

Perhaps the most controversial incident came in Australia, as Swiatek was accused of taking a ‘tactical’ break during her defeat to Madison Keys.

The Pole returned to the court after a break, practicing her swing while the American waited to serve.

Keys eventually won the match and the tournament, becoming a Grand Slam champion for the first time in her career.

It remains to be seen if the criticism of Swiatek continues when she returns to action for the Miami Open on Friday, March 21.