Lindsey Vonn has come under fire for showing support to Iga Swiatek at the WTA Finals despite facing the former alpine skier’s American compatriot Jessica Pegula in the final. French Open champion Swiatek was in ruthless form in the Cancun final, thrashing world No. 5 Pegula 6-0, 6-1 to not only clinch the WTA Finals title but also return to the summit of the world rankings.
The Polish star had been the top-ranked player for 75 weeks before she was usurped by Aryna Sabalenka at the US Open in New York, but having made light work of Pegula in the final, it is Swiatek who once again finishes the year as world No. 1.
In the wake of her success, skiing star Vonn posted a message of congratulations on social media. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), she said: “Yessssss!!!!! Go @iga_swiatek go!!!!!!”
Vonn is understood to be a close friend of Swiatek’s, explaining her support for the Pole, but not everyone on social media was impressed with the sentiment.
One X user wrote: “Strange an American happy with a defeat of another American.”
A frustrated Vonn soon replied, writing: “Can I just be happy my friend won a tournament? Jeez Louise smh”
