Iga Swiatek has reacted after coming under heavy fire for her behavior during her Indian Wells semi-final defeat.

The Polish tennis player conceded that she is "not proud" of the way she released her anger by furiously swiping at a ball that narrowly avoided a ball boy and entered the stands.

Although she immediately apologized to the ball boy, Swiatek vented her anger at the "unhealthy expectations" she believes are being put on her conduct.

Social Media Backlash Over Ball Boy Issue

Iga Swiatek Slams 'Unfair Standards' After 'Ball Boy Issue' at Iga Swiatek Slams 'Unfair Standards' After 'Ball Boy Issue' at
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Analysts and fans flocked to social media to criticize Swiatek's latest behavior on the viral boy ball incident. Many people called her out, branding her actions as immature, BBC reports.

The second seed issued an apology to the boy later. However, it has not deterred many from questioning her emotional control inside the court.

Swiatek Responds with Emotional Social Media Post

On Monday, March 18, Swiatek went on social media to give her side of the story and respond to the growing backlash. The 23-year-old admitted she made a mistake but stood by her emotional reaction, citing the unrealistic expectations put on athletes.

"I immediately apologized to the ball boy, we made eye contact and nodded to each other when I expressed regret that it happened near him," Swiatek wrote on her Instagram account.

Challenging with Emotional Pressure and Injustice Labels

Swiatek pointed out the double standards she experiences in her behavior. When she keeps calm, she is branded "robotic" and "inhuman," but when she shows emotions, she is denounced as "immature" or "hysterical."

Swiatek also added that people were quick to label her "immature or hysterical," now that she's being more expressive or emotional this time.

Lingering Effects of One-Month Doping Ban

Swiatek also spoke about how her one-month doping suspension took a toll on her mental well-being. Back in August, she had tested positive for trimetazidine (TMZ), an anti-angina drug. However, the ITIA ruled that the positive test was caused by contamination and handed down a short suspension.

The tennis sensation narrated that her career was on thin ice six months ago. For three weeks, she had been crying daily. There was also a time when she did not want to play tennis anymore. Up to this day, she's trying to process everything and accept what happened.

Lack of Titles and Emotional Struggles

Swiatek has yet to appear in a final this year, with her most recent big win occurring at the French Open in June. The lack of titles, added to the psychological burden of her doping ban, has undoubtedly affected her state of mind.

As for Reddit users, it seems that they believe that Daria Abramowicz, Iga's sports psychologist, has not been of much help when it comes to the tennis star's struggles.