Iga Swiatek, the world No. 2, has cast a shadow over her French Open prospects after an unexpected defeat at the Italian Open. The four-time French Open champion suffered a shocking third-round loss to Danielle Collins, leading to a drop in her world ranking and raising concerns about her form heading into Roland Garros.
Shock Exit in Rome
Swiatek, the defending champion at the Italian Open, was stunned by Danielle Collins in straight sets, 6-1, 7-5. This defeat marked Swiatek’s earliest exit from a WTA 1000 event in almost four years. Collins dominated the match, capitalizing on Swiatek’s errors and dictating play from the baseline. Swiatek struggled with her serve and made 22 unforced errors, a stark contrast to Collins’ aggressive and accurate performance.
Collins’ Perspective
Danielle Collins, who had lost seven of her previous eight encounters with Swiatek, revealed that she learned from those defeats. She stated that she gained confidence from playing her best tennis in those matches, even in defeat, and applied those lessons to secure the win in Rome.
Swiatek’s Reaction: A Need for Change
Following the defeat, a visibly dejected Swiatek admitted that she “wasn’t present to fight and to compete” and that her “focus is on the wrong things”. She acknowledged the need to “regroup and kind of change some stuff” before the French Open. Swiatek also mentioned that she had discussed the situation with her team, including her psychologist Daria Abramowicz, and they had come to some conclusions.
“It Would Be Stupid to Expect a Lot”
When asked about her feelings heading into the French Open, Swiatek gave a candid response, stating, “It doesn’t matter what feelings I get. Every year is different, so… Doesn’t matter”. She further added, “It would be stupid to expect a lot” at Roland Garros. This statement reflects Swiatek’s attempt to manage expectations and approach the upcoming Grand Slam with a fresh perspective.
Ranking Drop and French Open Seeding
As a result of her early exit in Rome, Swiatek will drop from World No. 2 to No. 4 in the WTA rankings. This means she will be seeded fourth at the French Open. This is the first time Swiatek has been ranked outside the Top 3 since March 2022. The drop in rankings could potentially lead to a more challenging draw at Roland Garros, with the possibility of facing higher-ranked opponents in the earlier rounds.
Concerns for the French Open
Swiatek’s loss in Rome has raised concerns about her form and mindset heading into the French Open, where she is a four-time champion. She has not won a title since her triumph at Roland Garros last year. Additionally, Swiatek has suffered nine losses in 2025, matching her total number of losses from the entire 2024 season. Brad Gilbert, Coco Gauff’s former coach, noted that it was surprising that Swiatek would enter the French Open without reaching a final this season.
Clay Court Struggles
Swiatek’s struggles on clay courts leading up to the French Open are particularly concerning, given her dominance on the surface in the past. Her defeat in Madrid to Coco Gauff, where she won only two games, also highlighted her vulnerability. Despite these setbacks, Swiatek remains a formidable opponent on clay, and her experience at Roland Garros could prove to be a significant advantage.
Swiatek’s Dominance at Roland Garros
Iga Swiatek has an exceptional record at the French Open, having won the title four times (2020, 2022, 2023, 2024). She has not lost a match at Roland Garros since 2021. Her powerful groundstrokes, excellent court coverage, and mental fortitude make her a tough opponent to beat on the Parisian clay.
Comparisons to Nadal
While some have drawn comparisons between Swiatek and Rafael Nadal, who has won 14 French Open titles, Swiatek dismissed the comparisons. She emphasized that every player’s journey is unique and that there is “no point to compare”.
Potential Contenders at the French Open
Despite Swiatek’s recent struggles, she remains one of the top contenders for the French Open title. However, she will face stiff competition from other players, including Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff and others. Sabalenka has emerged as a top contender, while Gauff has also shown strong form this season.
Swiatek’s Path to Redemption
Iga Swiatek’s early exit at the Italian Open has undoubtedly dented her confidence and raised questions about her French Open chances. However, Swiatek is a resilient and determined player who has overcome challenges in the past. Her willingness to acknowledge her shortcomings, seek advice from her team, and change her mindset demonstrates her commitment to improving and competing at the highest level.
Focus on Mental Fortitude
Swiatek’s focus on her mental game will be crucial as she prepares for the French Open. Her ability to stay present, manage her emotions, and maintain a positive attitude will be essential for her success.
Regrouping and Preparing
With the French Open just around the corner, Swiatek will need to regroup quickly and make the necessary adjustments to her game. She will likely spend time on the practice court, honing her skills and refining her strategy. She will also work closely with her team to address her mental and emotional state.
A Champion’s Mindset
Despite the recent setbacks, Iga Swiatek possesses the mindset of a champion. She has a proven track record of success, a strong work ethic, and an unwavering belief in her abilities. These qualities will serve her well as she embarks on her quest for a fifth French Open title.
Iga Swiatek’s journey to the French Open will be a test of her resilience, determination, and mental fortitude. Whether she can overcome her recent struggles and reclaim her dominance on the Parisian clay remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: she will give it her all.
Other Articles
No Comment! Be the first one.