Iga Swiatek is demonstrating that she’s no flash in the pan as she powers into the US Open quarterfinals. With her next challenge being Jessica Pegula, Mary Joe Fernández stirred the pot by suggesting that Pegula could upset Swiatek, a statement that hasn’t sat well with Polish fans, who are voicing their frustration.

Iga Swiatek’s fans are calling out ESPN commentators, particularly Mary Joe Fernandez, for consistently downplaying the Polish star’s abilities. After Fernandez suggested that Jessica Pegula could defeat Swiatek in the US Open quarterfinals, fans took to social media to express their frustration, accusing the commentators of undervaluing Swiatek’s talent.

This sentiment was further fueled when Brad Gilbert hinted that Samsonova could upset Swiatek even before her match with Pegula. But Swiatek defeated Samsonova and made her way into the quarterfinals. Following that, Swaitek fans stated their thoughts on the comments of Fernández and Gilbert.

Iga Swiatek fans not happy with Mary Joe Fernández siding with Pegula

It all started when a fan wrote, “On ESPN, Mary Jo saying Pegula gonna upset Iga, & bg follows by saying Samso gonna upset her first, Americans really just don’t rate iga im Crine.” Many fans believe that the dismissive comments made by Mary Joe Fernandez and Brad Gilbert towards Iga Swiatek stem from more than just underestimating her talent.

A fan commented, “Considering that Mary Jo’s husband is Coco’s manager and Brad is her coach, they’re obviously jealous of Iga’s success.” Even a few months ago, Brad Gilbert made a statement that was not received well by Swiatek’s fans. “Let me tell you if Naomi wins that match point against Iga at Roland Garros, Coco was winning that tournament,” Gilbert had said. Citing that comment, one netizen highlighted, “One thing about them is they manifesting others beat Iga for Coco

Meanwhile, another fan wrote, “It’s not about rating, they just can’t digest or accept the fact she is at the top.” Being on the top is not that easy. Swiatek herself has admitted that while she has always aspired to be an inspiration, she is still adjusting to the weight of expectations that come with being the world’s best.

Recently Chris Evert also drew criticism for her remarks about Iga Swiatek in the US Open. Given Swiatek’s dominant record against Gauff, fans were baffled by Evert’s suggestion that the World No. 1 would feel more confident in her chances of winning the New York Major after Gauff’s exit.

Despite these sentiments, Swiatek remains unbothered. Her calm response reflects her focus on the positive influence she can have, rather than the negativity that may surround her.

One of Swiatek fans brought American players into the context, and wrote, “They keep hyping American and then pretend to be shocked when none of them succeed. They rate her all right, but they also hate her because she’s not American and doesn’t fit their stereotypes.”

Talking about American players, Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro are still in the running for the title, but the reigning US Open champion, Coco Gauff, was eliminated from the fourth round. Iga Swiatek, on the other hand, is firmly establishing her dominance by keeping up her strong performance this year and holding the top spot in WTA rankings. Lastly, a fan remarked, “It’ll never change,” talking about the ESPN analysts.

What are your thoughts on Mary Joe Fernandez’s prediction though? Will Pegula beat Swiatek? Let us know in the comments below.