Has women’s tennis figured out Iga Swiatek?

Since 2022, tennis enthusiasts believed Iga Swiatek would dominate the sport for years to come. However, her performance has not lived up to expectations. In 2025, Swiatek won only one ATP-1000 event and none in 2026, despite capturing four such tournaments in 2024. After a surprising defeat at the French Open, the three-time defending champion finds herself in danger of an empty year at Grand Slams since 2021.

Initially, Swiatek's dominance seemed assured due to her young age and unbeatable form. However, her improved game must be compared to the growing competition in women's tennis. From the Williams sisters to Steffi Graf and Monica Seles, or even Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, the sport has seen a shift towards parity. Since Serena Williams' last Grand Slam win in 2017, there have been 20 champions across 34 tournaments, demonstrating the level of competition at the highest level.

Swiatek has not been able to fully capitalize on her clay-court skills, as she has only won four Grand Slam titles to date. Her high-spin ball-striking approach, which worked on clay, has become less effective against the power-hitting flat shots that dominate modern tennis. While Swiatek possesses top-level shots and exceptional court movement, her less-effective serving and inability to match the offensive firepower of other players have become significant disadvantages.

Moreover, among top-tier players, Swiatek has never been a top server, ranking consistently in the top 20 for serving stats. This contrasts with other current stars who rely on their powerful serves to gain an initiative. Despite her current struggles, Swiatek's serving ability remains a crucial aspect of her game.

As women's tennis continues to evolve and new champions emerge, Swiatek must adapt her style to regain the initiative at the highest level. With several younger players, including Linda Noskova, Mirra Andreeva, and Coco Gauff, gaining ground, Swiatek must prove she can compete against the current powerhouses. Although her playing style should age well, she must demonstrate that her approach can withstand the challenges posed by the modern game.