“She’s going to win a minimum of two tournaments on clay”: Mats Wilander backs Iga Swiatek for French Open glory despite recent struggles
WTA
Mats Wilander explained why Iga Swiatek has yet to win a title in 2025, following multiple defeats in the final stages of key tournaments. The world No. 2 reached the semifinals at the Australian Open, Qatar Open, and Indian Wells, while exiting in the quarterfinals in Miami and Dubai. Three of her losses came against the eventual tournament champion.
According to the legendary Swedish former player, opponents have increasingly studied the 5-time Grand Slam champion and her game plan: "This is really a plan that most players [have] realised, this is what I have to do against Iga Swiatek.”
Swiatek has established herself as the best clay-court player on the WTA Tour in recent years, proving it by winning four of the last five French Open titles. As the clay swing approaches, Swiatek is still without a title in 2025, and the European season could be the perfect stage for the Pole to return to lifting trophies.
Wilander believes Swiatek’s title drought is due to opponents identifying her weaknesses: "This is really a plan that most players [have] realised, this is what I have to do against Iga Swiatek on a faster court, on grass, or a hard court, or indoors, or even a slow hard court in many ways.”
He also noted that while her losses might encourage players to target her forehand on clay as well, he expects Swiatek to adjust: "I do think that Iga will be able to deal with that on clay, because the bounces are going to be slower, and she will be able to use topspin on the forehand. I am really curious to see when the clay-court season starts to see if her forehand improves overnight.”
Wilander also shared his prediction for Swiatek at Roland Garros: "Iga is going to make minimum the semis of the French Open and she’s going to win a minimum of two tournaments on clay. And my guess is that she will win the French Open too.”
Swiatek’s next challenge will be on clay, as she competes at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart from April 14—a tournament she previously won in 2022 and 2023.
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.
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