Iga Swiatek reflected on her form following a difficult Roland Garros campaign, where the six-time Grand Slam champion exited earlier than expected – after a fourth-round defeat to Marta Kostyuk – and did not reach the closing stages of the tournament.
The defending Wimbledon champion has only recently begun training on grass and acknowledged that the adjustment remains at an early stage. She stressed that the transition requires patience and incremental work rather than immediate expectations of high-level performance on a surface that demands different movement and timing.
Swiatek also pointed to a changing competitive environment over the past two seasons, with increased scrutiny and fluctuating expectations linked to inconsistent results and adjustments within her team structure. She framed the current phase as part of a broader development process rather than a reaction to a single tournament outcome.
Despite recent results, the former world No. 1 emphasised that her focus remains on long-term progression, with performance assessed over extended cycles rather than isolated defeats or short-term setbacks.
Roland Garros reflection and performance reality
Swiatek described Roland Garros as an example of the complexity of elite tennis, rejecting the idea that outcomes can be reduced to a single technical or isolated cause. She highlighted the relationship between preparation, execution and context at the highest level of the sport.
“The brutal truth is sport doesn’t work like that,” Iga Swiatek said in an interview with WP SportoweFakty. “I was lucky to experience early success, so now I’m trying to be more patient, trust the process I started in April, and believe I’m on the right path to improving my tennis, but that does not mean every defeat should define me.”
She added that the experience reinforced the need to separate short-term results from long-term development, particularly during surface transitions between clay and grass. Swiatek stressed that her current focus is not reactive adjustment but structured improvement across training blocks and tournament cycles.
Pressure, scrutiny and emotional impact
The six-time Grand Slam champion also addressed the psychological demands of competing under sustained public scrutiny, linking the most difficult periods to withdrawals and high-profile defeats that triggered significant online reaction.
“Yes, it has affected me, especially at the end of 2024 when I didn’t go to tournaments in China because I couldn’t," the world No. 3 added. "I received so much hate for withdrawing that I would never have expected it. 2025 was also not easy. The last two years have been much harder in that respect.”
She explained that visibility at the top level amplifies both support and criticism, creating a volatile environment in which public perception can shift quickly depending on results. “It’s not easy to function in this environment. There were moments when it affected me deeply and even on court I struggled to get rid of it.”
Swiatek added that she now limits exposure to external commentary, particularly on social media, as it does not contribute constructively to her preparation or performance. “Anyone who says they are completely unaffected is probably not being fully honest. It can still hurt sometimes.”
Wimbledon defence and process-driven approach
Looking ahead to Wimbledon, Swiatek maintained a controlled outlook on expectations as defending champion, stressing that her preparation on grass remains in an early phase and that adaptation is the main priority.
“There is always a chance. But if anyone could accurately measure that chance, they would make a lot of money in betting markets. I’ve only just started practicing on grass, this is my third day, and it’s going well.”
Iga Swiatek kisses Wimbledon trophy after coming out on top at SW19
She noted that returning as defending champion changes external perception, but not her internal preparation logic, which remains centred on daily work and gradual improvement.
Despite that, she stressed continuity in her approach and rejected the idea that recent results define her current level. “What happened last year doesn’t affect where I am now. I’m building things day by day, improving step by step.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Mirra's very funny words have been in my head since yesterday. "If I win the car I have 5 people in my box that can drive me around. I will forever be a passenger princess. I have a plan..." And I will never forget how she had me rolling on the floor laughing when asked how she beat Jess Pegula so handily: "I don't know what happened; It must have been the Diva in me". CLASSIC STUFF !
mandoist15-11-2026 - Can whomever has a microphone in the Final... PLEASE STOP YAMMERING ABOUT YOURSELVES NONSTOP THROUGHOUT THE MATCH???? Get a grip and STFU once in awhile so we can 'hear' the actual play on court.mandoist15-11-2026
- Martina is one of the most competent, knowledgeable, and 99.999% correct in her analysis. Most of all -- WHILE A COMMENTATOR IN MATCHES SHE KNOWS WHEN NOT TO TALK AND DISTRACT FROM THE ACTION !!! Someone please pass that idea on to Austin, Shriver, and whoever else has been f-ing YAPPING throughout the play. How thoughtless and elitist can these people be squawking nonstop throughout an entire game about themselves. STFU, please (I said "please"). Let us 'hear' the game play on court.mandoist15-11-2026
- Tennis "fans" have short memories. This is exactly who Saba always was... granted she found a 'new' persona when she began winning matches and tourneys. Off-court she's always been a racist potty-mouth. Her meanness also shines through when she thinks no one else is around. In short, the "person" you've witnessed in post-match on-court interviews is NOT who she is. As for her familiar "apologies, she can stick that routine in her racquet bags because I never believed her words nor phony "respect" for her opponents -- and I ain't buying that now.mandoist15-11-2026
- Was Saba not paying attention to those who sought an inordinate amount of attention outside of their sport (occupation)... and to the point they lost their focus and eventually their place in tennis? For example: Giorgi, Bouchard, Raducanu, etc. They became infatuated with endless Selfies, videos, podcasts, TV commercials, magazine shoots, and so on. Thus their tennis suffered. Priorities are important.mandoist14-11-2026
- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.mandoist12-11-2026
- Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
