Iga Swiatek overpowered male player and made team-mate walk off court at US Open

Last year ahead of the US Open Iga Swiatek's doubles partner, Sebastian Korda, humorously walked off the court mid-rally during an exhibition match at Flushing Meadows. The Pole was ranked No.1 in the world when she teamed up with Korda for a friendly match against Italian pair Matteo Berrettini and Jasmine Paolini.

However, at one point, Korda and Paolini were mere spectators, as Swiatek and Berrettini engaged in a fierce rally as if they were playing a singles match. There is often a debate whether women players could keep up the pace with their male counterparts, but this rally went to proving a big point.

The two exchanged a lengthy 18-shot rally, which ultimately ended in Swiatek's favour after Berrettini struggled to return her powerful forehand.

By the time the point had been played out, Swiatek was the only player left on her side of the court, with Korda having comically wandered off the court.

Although done in jest, it suggested that Swiatek didn't need his assistance and was more than capable of holding her own. Korda was quick to applaud his partner, serving up a massive high five to the Polish superstar.

Regrettably, despite their efforts, Swiatek and Korda went on to lose the exhibition match, with Berrettini and 2024 Olympic gold medallist Paolini emerging victorious.

This took place as part of a warm-up event at the Arthur Ashe Stadium ahead of the US Open - where Swiatek returns this year hunting the title.

Swiatek won the title in 2022, which was the third of her six Grand Slam titles.

A year on from that exhibition doubles match in New York, Swiatek played Paolini in the Cincinnati Open final on Monday night, emerging with a 7-5, 6-4 victory.

"I'm happy with the work we've been doing, happy with that process. I'm happy I won in straight sets," she said.

"I'm a good player. I can play on any surface."