Tennis fans erupted in defense of Iga Świątek after Brad Gilbert, Coco Gauff’s former coach, suggested the Polish star might have special influence over her match scheduling at the 2025 Cincinnati Open. Gilbert’s social media speculation triggered a swift backlash, with supporters rushing to protect Świątek from what they viewed as unfounded accusations.
Why Did Brad Gilbert’s Comments About Iga Świątek Spark Such Fierce Backlash?
The controversy began when Świątek’s quarterfinal match against No. 28 seed Anna Kalinskaya was scheduled for August 15 at 11 a.m. on the P&G Center Court. The early start time, placing their match first on the day’s schedule, caught Gilbert’s attention and prompted him to speculate publicly about the arrangement.
Gilbert took to X, writing, “you don’t even have to look at schedule and Know Iga Pop on 1st at 11am wonder if her team ask for that or just happens that way a lot.”
you don’t even have to look at schedule and Know Iga Pop on 1st at 11am wonder if her team ask for that or just happens that way a lot
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) August 13, 2025
The implication that Świątek’s team might be requesting specific scheduling arrangements immediately drew sharp criticism from tennis fans across social media platforms.
How Did Fans Defend Świątek Against the Scheduling Allegations?
Tennis supporters wasted no time challenging Gilbert’s suggestion. One user clapped back, “don’t you have other things to worry like idk coco’s 2nd serve and forehand?”
don’t you have other things to worry like idk coco’s 2nd serve and forehand? https://t.co/xgyT5Fhi9K
— spxrrow (@spxrrow1) August 14, 2025
Another defender highlighted Świątek’s well-known preferences, saying, “She said so many times that she always asked to play early. Sometimes they agree, sometimes they don’t. Don’t pretend to be an expert about Iga without any basic knowledge about her.”
She said so many times that she always asked to play early. Sometimes they agree, sometimes they don’t. Don’t pretend to be an expert about Iga without any basic knowledge about her. https://t.co/V2sv2LQh80
— Nati | #6 (@Nati_xo5) August 14, 2025
Several fans also pointed out the inconsistency in Gilbert’s logic. They noted that Gauff herself had played the first match on center court the day before, asking, “Who was first 1⃣ on center court today .”
Who was first 1⃣ on center court today https://t.co/9xtb0Zcbcf
— leh (@let_ana03) August 14, 2025
Beyond pointing out contradictions, fans offered logical explanations for the scheduling. One supporter broke down the tournament’s structure, explaining: “first of all, Iga has always asked for day time match. She’s been consistently with her preference. second of all, since all QFs are played the same day, obviously matches that finished two days ago need to be played first, then the matches that finished one day ago (gauff).”
first of all, Iga has always asked for day time match. She’ s been consistently with her preference.
second of all, since all QFs are played the same day, obviously matches that finished two days ago need to be played first, then the matches that finished one day ago (gauff)
— Watches Tennis?? (@XYZ07540244) August 15, 2025
The backlash grew more personal as some questioned Gilbert’s motives entirely. One user wrote, “Im wondering why a old man is so obsessed with a young talented women is this just jealousy or something else???”
Others kept their responses more direct, with one fan asking, “and whyis that of interest to you .” Some were even more blunt, questioning, “what’s your problem with Iga?”
Meanwhile, practical-minded fans focused on tournament logistics rather than personal attacks. One supporter pointed out, “..and… what is your point. Someone has to play first.. and in that ridiculous goddamn heat, does it really matter… and Saba/Ryba is what the crowds and revenue will thrive upon so I assume they’ll be prime time.. if you go, make sure to wear your factor 50……..”
MORE: Iga Świątek’s Opponent Anna Kalinskaya Lashes Out at WTA on ‘Unfair’ Scheduling of Their Cincinnati Match
The quarterfinal matchup represents a rematch of Świątek and Kalinskaya’s encounter from the 2024 Dubai Tennis Championships semifinal, where Kalinskaya won in straight sets. Now both players find themselves in Cincinnati’s final eight, with Świątek making her seventh appearance at the WTA 1000 tournament.
Świątek entered Cincinnati as the third seed and received a first-round bye before defeating Anastasia Potapova in straight sets. Her path to the quarterfinals continued with a walkover victory against No. 25 seed Marta Kostyuk, followed by a win over Sorana Cîrstea. The Polish star has reached the semifinals twice in her previous Cincinnati appearances, establishing her as a consistent threat at this level of competition.
