"Honestly a sweetheart, good on her for acknowledging the issue" - Tennis fans applaud Iga Swiatek for admitting her mistake during San Diego Open final

Iga Swiatek came under fire from tennis fans for her antics during the 2022 San Diego Open final against Donna Vekic, where she waved her hands at the net during a point in the second set.

Although the World No. 1 went on to lose the set before taking the contest 6-3, 3-6, 6-0, her actions were considered a hindrance by a majority of the fans on social media. This is not the first time the Pole has done something like this, leading many to debate whether she does it intentionally to throw her opponents off or if it is simply a reflex on her part.

As the debate continues, the three-time Grand Slam champion has done something she hasn't done before -- publicly apologize for her hand-waving. Taking to Twitter after her triumph, Iga Swiatek admitted that she was aware of what she did and said that she was sorry she did so, unintentional or otherwise.

"This is the best prize/trophy ever! Thank you San Diego for an amazing week and this unique vibe. I love it here. And congrats Donna Vekic for your amazing run! And sorry for waving my hands at the net," Swiatek wrote.

Users on social media were immediately delighted by the maturity shown by the 21-year-old, praising her for coming forward and acknowledging her mistakes. One fan tweeted on the same:

"Iga is honestly a sweetheart, good on her for acknowledging the issue with what should be considered a hindrance...and congrats on the win, champ."

Another fan was much stronger in their convictions, stating that the World No. 1 had nothing to apologize for and that, in fact, others should be apologizing to her for holding her to a higher standard than most players. The fan wrote:

"No need to apologize! People should apologize to you for holding you to a standard they don't hold any other player on tour. And congrats!!!! You're brilliant!!!"

Here are a few more reactions from fans:

Iga Swiatek continues to live up to the comparisons with Serena Williams

Iga Swiatek at the Qatar Total Energies Open

Earlier this year, Iga Swiatek recorded a 37-match win streak, the longest such unbeaten run in the 21st century. By doing so, she broke the previous record held by Venus Williams (35 wins) and overtook Serena Williams' second-best run (34 wins).

With the San Diego triumph on Sunday, the World No. 1 lifted her eighth title of the year, making her the first woman to win eight or more titles in a single season since Serena Williams in 2013. Back then, the American won 11 titles and won 72 matches, while Swiatek has currently won 64 matches.