“Can I start again?”: Iga Swiatek finally produces an unforced error in Dubai

Iga Swiatek had to make an unforced error in Dubai eventually.

Unfortunately for Swiatek’s opponents, including her latest in Coco Gauff, it wasn’t the kind of miscue they hoped for.

On Friday, the world No. 1 dismissed Gauff, 6-4, 6-2, to reach the final of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. After advancing at the WTA 1000 event, Swiatek proceeded with a custom post-win tradition, signing the camera lens. It didn’t quite go to plan.

After writing her first word, Swiatek had second thoughts.

“Can I start again?” she asked.

A production crew member obliged the request, but his towel wipe made minimum impact.

“It’s permanent,” could be heard off camera as Swiatek reacted to the moment with a laugh.

Like any champion would, the 21-year-old adapted to the situation, crossing off the initial message and using the space left to get her message across.

Swiatek is bidding for her second title in as many weeks following her Doha title defense. She has collected 12 consecutive sets along the way.