What Is Medical Timeout In Tennis For Which Iga Swiatek Faced Criticism

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Iga Swiatek found mired in controversy following a medical timeout during her heated 2025 United Cup match against Britain’s Katie Boulter. The incident has ignited debates and drawn backlash from fans across social media.

In a three-hour intense battle, Swiatek put up a brave display against Boulter, ultimately registering a come-from-behind win with a scoreline of 6-7(3), 6-1, 6-4. 

While the match will be remembered for the thrilling moments, it was an unscheduled break in the third set, when Swiatek was trailing 2-1, that has become the talking point.

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The Pole took a lengthy hiatus from the court only to return with her thigh heavily bandaged. After returning to the court from the medical break, the momentum shifted in her favour. 

“I didn’t take it to disrupt Katie’s rhythm. I genuinely felt unwell and needed the treatment. Painkillers helped a lot, and I was able to regain my movement,” she said in the post-match press conference. 

Iga Swiatek remarked, “I sensed she got a bit distracted. She missed a few shots right after the break, but that wasn’t my intention. I just needed the timeout for my well-being.” 

Many fans took to social media to voice their frustration, implying that Swiatek’s medical break was strategically timed to undermine her opponent.

This is not the first time that Swiatek came under scrutiny with regard to such untimely breaks. A notorious incident occurred during the 2022 US Open semifinals when she took a similar break while trailing, returning revitalized to defeat Aryna Sabalenka.

However, there were also fans who came to her defence. “This is her first MTO in one and a half years,” a user wrote on social media.  

What is a Medical Timeout? 

A medical timeout can be asked by a player (with the permission of the chair umpire), and involves a medical evaluation and up to 3 minutes of on-court treatment. 

The duration of the medical timeout depends on the player’s injury, where it is on their body, and whether the treatment can take place on the court or not. 

Typically, a 3-minute rule is strongly enforced for on-court treatment, however, if a player needs off-court nursing then the umpire will allow additional time at their discretion. 

If the player exceeds this time boundation, they’ll incur point penalties. 

If an injury is treatable, then a player can have a maximum of two medical timeouts per match. However, if the injury is so severe that it can’t be treated any further, then the player will have to withdraw and forfeit the match.

Also Read: Top 10 Highest-Paid Female Tennis Players in 2024

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