Tennis coach Paweł Ostrowski says recent results signal a worrying downturn for the Polish world No. 2, who dominated the clay circuit just a year ago.
In 2024, Świątek stormed through the season with titles in Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros, amassing 4,200 ranking points.
This year, the story has been different: a quarterfinal loss in Stuttgart, a semifinal defeat to Coco Gauff in Madrid, and most recently, a third-round elimination in Rome at the hands of Danielle Collins, 1–6, 5–7.
“There’s clearly a regression in her game,” said Ostrowski. “You can’t pinpoint a single reason, but the loss of confidence is visible. On the practice court, she still plays brilliantly. But come match time, that flow disappears. Shots that once came from a place of joy and conviction now look like acts of desperation.”
Ostrowski also sees a shift in Świątek’s ability to manage the rhythm of matches: “She used to start slow and build momentum. Now she starts strong but fades as opponents take control.”
Tensions have surfaced within her coaching team, with visible signs of strain between Świątek and coach Wim Fissette during recent matches, according to Ostrowski. Her suggests the communication dynamics have changed since parted ways with her longtime Polish coach Tomasz Wiktorowski last October.
“When Wiktorowski was around, the gestures, the looks—they helped Iga stay grounded. The current setup doesn’t seem to offer that same emotional anchor,” Ostrowski said, referring also to sports psychologist Daria Abramowicz’s role in the team.
After Rome, Świątek’s camp moved preparations for the French Open to Paris. However, some experts suggested she might have benefited from match play in a lower-tier clay event, similar to Novak Djokovic’s approach. Ostrowski disagrees.
“She needs peace and recovery, not more matches. I’d rather see her train in quiet, away from Parisian scrutiny—maybe even back in Poland. That would give her the space to reset.”
Ostrowski argues that Świątek’s difficulties are partly due to rivals adapting to her game: “Players have caught up with her pace and are now taking the initiative during rallies. She needs to work on her defensive skills, while staying true to her naturally aggressive style.”
One player in particular continues to haunt Świątek—Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko. Despite not being a top-tier regular, Ostapenko has beaten the Pole in all six of their encounters, including two recent defeats.
“It happens in tennis,” Ostrowski said. “Some players just don’t match up well. Federer had Nadal. For Świątek, it’s Ostapenko—faster, more risk-taking, and so far, unsolvable.”
As Świątek prepares to defend her Roland Garros title, all eyes will be on whether she can rediscover the form—and confidence—that once made her nearly untouchable on clay.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP