'IT'S THE SAME STORY': ŚWIĄTEK’S BAD HABIT ANGRILY CONFRONTED BY AZARENKA

A cold handshake at the net was always on the cards. (WTA)

Two-time Australian Open winner Victoria Azarenka became embroiled in a heated discussion after criticising Iga Świątek's attempt to disrupt the momentum.

Down 15-30 while trying to serve out the match in Bad Homburg, Świątek conveniently tossed the ball in the air without making contact.

"Are you serious? Every time it's the same story," an irritated Azarenka told the chair umpire.

"As soon as she's down in the game, she's taking her time. Like, over the time. And you're not checking. Every time."

Świątek, who was appearing in her first match since exiting the semi-final stage of Roland-Garros, won the next three points to confirm her place in the quarter-finals.

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Unsurprisingly, the pair met at the net with a frosty handshake, as neither player made eye contact once they shook hands.

"The first few games, I thought I was playing really well, and I had opportunities to break her, but I didn't," Świątek admitted post-match. "I kind of got maybe less intense, but I wanted to keep doing what I know I can do, and at the end, it was a great match.

"It was my first match on grass this year, actually having byes in these tournaments is not always a great thing because I want to play on grass as much as possible right now, but I'm really happy that I'm through to the next round."

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