Social media channels are currently abuzz with updates on Iga Swiatek‘s preparations for the Paris Olympics. Be it her entry at the Philippe Chatrier court or meeting and greeting her idol Rafael Nadal, fans are finding it hard to spare time and attention from discussing her moves at the upcoming event. While the Olympic games are a lot more than just an individual event, an unexpected move from her added a layer of disappointment to the whole vibe.

World No.1 Iga Swiatek has ignited new debates by choosing not to attend the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Polish tennis star, who recently dominated the clay court season with remarkable victories in Madrid, the Italian Open, and Roland Garros, has disappointed many fans with her decision.

As soon as the Polish press shared the news, one fan voiced their frustration on social media platform X, saying, “I just don’t get the attitude of certain sportspeople (including Iga) towards the Olympics. Maybe they have a reason for it, but not staying in the Olympic village, not interacting with your team, not even going to the opening ceremony when you’re literally in Paris…”

All of this became even more frustrating as it came just hours after Coco Gauff celebrated an honorable moment. The American WTA star, in contrast, cherished the position of flag bearer for the opening ceremony, making her loved ones as well as the nation proud. Swiatek’s decision, on the other hand, has not only caused disappointment but also led to backlash from her own followers, who expected her to be involved in the Olympic experience.

Fans assume Iga Swiatek doesn’t “want the stand in the Sun” amid opening ceremony denial

As soon as the update of Iga Swiatek’s decision to not attend the opening ceremony in Paris started to make way on social media, fans found it as the perfect lash to vent their frustration. Although they were quite excited to see their champion experience the vibe, the denial turned their admiration into anger.

A fan, taunting at Swiatek’s denial, wrote, “I think she don’t want the stand in the Sun for 8 hours only for the opening. Or stay in a small room without AC in the villa.” The weather is expected to rise to a mark of 32-35 degrees in Paris. The comment appears to be based on the fact that the Pole is not ready to bear the heat of the fashion capital of the world.

Another fan, pointing at the fact that there’s no prize pool to attract the players, wrote, “Tennis in olympics has neither presitge nor does it offer any prize money.” Iga Swiatek recently took home a massive paycheck of $2.5 million after winning her fourth Roland Garros title. While the Olympic win is more inclined toward national glory and not monetary perks, the fans decided to see it from a similar angle.

A fan, still ready to consider the fact that Iga Swiatek is not attending the opening ceremony, lashed out after finding out that she’s not even staying with her team during the event. “Opening ceremony fair enough… but not staying in athletes’ village? Isn’t that what the Olympics is all about?” they wrote. Enquiring if his idol Rafael Nadal is following the tradition, they added, “Are Rafael and Carlitos staying in the village?”

A fan depicted a clear understanding behind her decision to not reside at the village with the rest of the team. “I understand Iga not staying in the Olympic Village to focus, get proper rest and food, and she’s an introvert so that’d be very draining for her,” he wrote, keeping in view the concerns of her comfort zone. However, he still despised her for not being at the auspicious ceremony. “That’s a life experience she’ll probably regret missing,” he added.

According to the latest reports, Anita Wlodarczyk from Hammer Throw has decided to be the flag bearer in the opening ceremony. Being the only Polish player to have won a grand slam, many were surprised that Swiatek wouldn’t be the one to wave the flag. “I’m surprised to see that she is not the flag bearer.” She managed to earn her fourth Roland Garros title in June. As it was a massive achievement, she surely deserved to be the bearer.

With these and several other comments on a similar note, the fans made it clear that they were not at all happy with Swiatek’s decision to keep herself away from the line throughout the opening ceremony. As the event is set to begin soon enough, there are hopes that she will compensate it all with a medal.