Tim Henman backs Iga Swiatek to prevail at Roland Garros

Former Roland Garros semi-finalist Tim Henman has picked Iga Swiatek to win her second Grand Slam in Paris in the coming weeks.

Henman, who has taken in several Swiatek matches in recent weeks, believes that the Polish star has all the attributes of a top champion. The former ATP World No.4 has been particularly impressed by her ability to control matches and play on her own terms.

“I was in Miami and I was in Rome last week, and I have watched nearly all her matches,” Henman told Eurosport. “I love the way she’s playing. We always talk about the three aspects in tennis, technical, physical and mental. And in each area she is she is really maximizing her play. Her strategy is very simple. She’s got huge power off both wings off the forehand and the backhand side.

“She’s moving well, so it’s difficult to put her under pressure, but if you drop the ball short, she is very good at going down the line on both wings. She’s playing on her terms. She’s the one that is dictating, she is in control of the outcome of the matches.”

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Henman believes that Swiatek will only improve her game in the next few years with her strength likely to continue to increase, adding that her all-around game has sharpened up in 2022.

“You add her physicality on the court which has improved," said the former British No.1. "I think she’s faster. When she has to she’s defending better. Mentally, she’s very focused and her concentration is not wavering during the matches and she’s out there with a clear plan.

“I don’t know her team, but it seems that they have a very good bond, a very good setup. And when you win five tournaments in a row, 28 matches, you know that it’s working very well.”