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Iga Swiatek's 'disgusting' post-match admission stuns fans at US Open

Iga Swiatek, pictured here after making the US Open final.
Iga Swiatek opened up about what she did during her bathroom break. Image: Getty/US Open

Iga Swiatek has overcome Aryna Sabalenka in three sets to advance to the US Open final, before a funny moment in her post-match interview in which she discussed her toilet habits.

The World No.1 became the first Polish player in history to reach the final of the US Open on Thursday, beating Sabalenka 3-6 6-1 6-4 after being down a service break in the third set.

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She will face Ons Jabeur in Saturday's final after the Tunisian star earlier beat Caroline Garcia 6-1 6-3 to become the first Arab or African player to reach the decider in New York.

Discussing her victory in an on-court interview with Rennae Stubbs, the Aussie pointed out that Swiatek was able to turn her fortunes around after taking a toilet break at the end of the first set.

When asked by Stubbs what she told herself during the break, Swiatek replied: "It's not what I said but what I did. I definitely felt lighter after that".

After the crowd broke out in laughter, Swiatek looked rather embarrassed and said: "Oh that's disgusting."

Fans had a field day over the funny moment on Twitter, with many praising the Polish star for her honesty.

The 21-year-old then got serious and opened up about how she used the break in play to freshen up mentally.

"When I was younger all I did in the bathroom between sets was cry," she said.

"This time I can actually think about what to change and problem solve.

"I had a new idea before the second set, so that's great."

Iga Swiatek, pictured here after beating Aryna Sabalenka to make the US Open final.
Iga Swiatek celebrates after beating Aryna Sabalenka to make the US Open final. (Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images) (Robert Prange via Getty Images)

Iga Swiatek and Ons Jabeur in US Open final

Swiatek has emerged as a dominant force in women's tennis this year with a 37-match winning streak and six titles to her name.

If she can defeat Jabeur, Swiatek will become the first woman since Angelique Kerber to win two major championships in one season after claiming the French Open crown in May.

Jabeur was the runner-up at Wimbledon in July and will be the first African woman to participate in a final at the US Open in the professional era, which dates back to 1968.

β€œAfter Wimbledon, (there was) a lot of pressure on me,” Jabeur said following a win that took barely more than an hour.

Ons Jabeur, pictured here after her victory in her semi-final clash with Caroline Garcia at the US Open.
Ons Jabeur celebrates victory in her semi-final clash with Caroline Garcia at the US Open. (Photo by Lev Radin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

β€œAnd I’m really relieved that I can back up my results.

"The hard-court season started a little bit bad but I'm really happy I can make it to the finals here."

Jabeur and Garcia have been playing each other since they were juniors, with the African coming out on top each time.

Garcia has been the player in form this summer, winning three titles and climbing back towards the top 10.

But it was clear from the start the 28-year-old was nervous in the biggest match of her career.

Shots that had been flying inside the lines throughout the fortnight in New York were missing, while Jabeur was able to neutralise the pace of Garcia in a way none of her previous opponents had.

with agencies

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