PARIS — Iga Świątek's former coach, Piotr Sierzputowski, has raised concerns about the World No. 1's preparations ahead of the French Open, suggesting the Pole may be facing unexpected challenges in her bid for a fourth Roland Garros title.
Sierzputowski, who guided Świątek to her first Grand Slam victory in 2020 before their split in 2021, revealed in an interview with Polish outlet Sportowe Fakty that "there are internal issues in the camp that could disrupt her rhythm." While he did not specify the exact nature of these concerns, his comments have sparked speculation among fans and analysts.
A Sudden Shift in Momentum?
Świątek, who has dominated the WTA Tour in recent years, has shown rare vulnerability in recent weeks. After a shock third-round exit at the Australian Open and a semifinal loss to Elena Rybakina in Stuttgart, questions have arisen about her form heading into her most successful major.
Sierzputowski hinted at possible struggles behind the scenes: "Iga is a perfectionist, and sometimes the pressure she puts on herself can become overwhelming. The team needs to manage that carefully."
Physical and Mental Fatigue?
The 22-year-old has played an intense schedule this season, including deep runs in Indian Wells and Miami. Sierzputowski suggested that fatigue—both physical and mental—could be a factor: "She’s been relentless, but even champions need time to recover."
Key concerns from Sierzputowski’s interview include:
- Possible tension within Świątek’s coaching team
- Signs of mental exhaustion affecting her on-court focus
- Adjustments to her game that may not be fully settled
Recent Performance Dip
Świątek’s usually dominant clay-court performances have shown slight inconsistencies. In Madrid, she was pushed to three sets by Beatriz Haddad Maia before falling in the final to Aryna Sabalenka. While she remains the favorite in Paris, the margins appear tighter than in previous years.
Sierzputowski noted: "When Iga is at her best, she’s unstoppable. But right now, there are small cracks. It’s about whether she can patch them up in time."
Team Dynamics Under Scrutiny
Since parting ways with Sierzputowski, Świątek has worked with Tomasz Wiktorowski, who has been credited with refining her aggressive game. However, sources suggest there may be disagreements over tactical approaches.
A former member of her support staff, speaking anonymously, told Tennis Now: "There’s a lot of debate about how much she should adapt versus sticking to her strengths. It’s a delicate balance."
The Road to Roland Garros
Despite the concerns, Świątek remains the bookmakers’ favorite for the French Open. Her record on clay—three titles at Roland Garros and a 28-2 win-loss record last season—speaks for itself.
Yet, Sierzputowski’s remarks suggest that this year’s campaign may not be as straightforward: "She’ll fight, no doubt. But the competition is stronger, and if her team isn’t aligned, it could get complicated."
Conclusion: A Test of Resilience
As the French Open approaches, Świątek faces one of her toughest mental challenges yet. With rivals like Sabalenka, Rybakina, and Coco Gauff in peak form, any internal struggles could prove costly.
Sierzputowski’s warning serves as a rare glimpse into the pressures of maintaining dominance: "Iga’s greatness comes from her intensity, but that same intensity can be a double-edged sword. How she handles the next few weeks will define her season."