Watch: Iga Swiatek kindly denies a fan’s request for her racquet, says ‘Sorry I need them’

Iga Swiatek kindly denied a fan’s request for her racquet, saying “sorry I need them” after winning the San Diego Open semi-final against Jessica Pegula.

Iga Swiatek has entered the San Diego Open final. (AP Photo)

By India Today Web Desk: World number one Iga Swiatek sweetly declined one of her fan’s request for her racquet, saying “sorry I need them” after reaching the San Diego Open final.

Swiatek outlasted No.6 Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals in a three-setter 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 on Saturday to enter her ninth final of 2022.

The Polish star Swiatek will play either Danielle Collins or Donna Vekic in the San Diego Open final as she eyes to clinch her eighth title of the season.

“Sorry I need them.” 😂@iga_swiatek as sweet as ever as she kindly denies a request for a racquet of hers. #SanDiegoOpen pic.twitter.com/jiwmDj3JDP— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) October 16, 2022

Along the way, the three-time Grand Slam singles champion won her 63rd match this year, equalling Angelique Kerber’s 2016 record for the most WTA Tour victories. Swiatek has also ensured herself to finish off the season with more than 10,000 points in the WTA Tour rankings after Victoria Azarenka, Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams.

Swiatek has extended her record in the United States to 23-1 this year. During the San Diego Open semi-final, the first set saw three breaks of serve as the momentum kept on shifting from one end to another.

Pegula saved two break points and levelled the match at 4-all when the Polish star missed a forehand wide. The American served for the first set as Swiatek double-faulted off the top of the net.

The world No.1 found her momentum after an hour of play’s suspension due to rain. She took a 3-0 advantage and went onto convert her second set point with a forehand and forced the decider.

Swiatek saved all three break points while serving at 2-all in the third set. She then broke Pegula to take a 4-2 lead and wrapped up the match. Earlier this year, Swiatek won two Grand Slam titles at the French Open and the US Open.