As the first Grand Slam of the season runs, fans are taking in all the action at Melbourne Park, with the latest on-court issue involving the World No. 2 after she was seen struggling with her skirt during the match, which subsequently drew ire from fans towards the Swiss brand, On. Iga Świątek, who beat a former World No. 36 Chinese player in the first round, later resolved the issue after changing into shorts.
Iga Świątek’s Australian Open Outfit Sparks Fan Backlash After On-Court Discomfort
Świątek has entered the Australian Open after winning the United Cup title with Team Poland, finally taking home the title after being a two-time runner-up in 2024 and 2025. She is spearheading her run after collecting wins against Eva Lys, Suzan Lamens, Maya Joint, and two losses to World No. 3, Coco Gauff, and Belinda Bencic in the finals.
However, her struggles followed her to Melbourne Park, as she unfortunately encountered limitations during her play in her skirt. The six-time Major champion was set to face Yuan Yue and appeared uncomfortable during the match, as she struggled with her skirt.
At one point during the break, Świątek also tore the skirt from her side to aid her movement.
iga świątek#AustralianOpen pic.twitter.com/wIVM8Z7LuF
— iga archive ✦ (@igaswiarchive) January 19, 2026
However, later the Pole switched to shorts and displayed impressive action, defeating Yue with a final scoreline of 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 at Rod Laver Arena. Her discomfort couldn’t go unnoticed by the fans, who shared disappointed reactions with her sponsor, On, the Swiss athletic brand, with ATP legend Roger Federer among its shareholders.
One of the fans expressed, highlighting the part where the WTA star was trying to adjust her skirt, “This damn skirt really bothers her in the first few games…she even tried to rip the skirt 😭💀 @on do better next time.”
This damn skirt really bothers her in the first few games…she even tried to rip the skirt 😭💀 @on do better next time pic.twitter.com/kodHVZc19x
— moon (@flav1gaa) January 19, 2026
Another added, mentioning views on the length of the skirt, “Skirt is too long. Just 2 or 3cm off and it would have great.”
Skirt is too long. Just 2 or 3cm off and it would have great.
— vanhunks vanhunks (@Vanhunks72) January 19, 2026
The next tennis enthusiast expressed, “It shows that iga doesn’t really care about the outfit until it bothers her.”
It shows that iga doesn’t really care about the outfit until it bothers her.
— LLWA (@l_wenas) January 19, 2026
While highlighting Dobby’s clothes from the Harry Potter movie, another fan shared their thoughts, annoyingly, “my poor baby, they made her play in Dobby outfit and as if that wasn’t enough, this sh!t is also uncomfortable, spot the fxxking difference.”
my poor baby, they made her play in Dobby outfit and as if that wasn’t enough, this sh!t is also uncomfortable, spot the fxxking difference pic.twitter.com/IG9OItGIkJ
— 🔥🍂 (@muventhusiast) January 19, 2026
Apart from the fans, WTA icon Rennae Stubbs also noticed as Świątek was seen tucking her skirt upward and added while commenting, “I mean, have you seen her tuck her skirt like this, this much? I haven’t.”
READ MORE: Iga Świątek Matches Erased From Coco Gauff’s Mind as Secret to Rivalry Shift Comes Out
The Polish sensation is the first women’s tennis player to be sponsored by On and has been with the brand since March 2023. Along with her, On also sponsors ATP stars, including Ben Shelton, João Fonseca, and Flavio Cobolli, all competing at the Australian Open, with Cobolli losing his first round to Arthur Fery.
