“I’m not surprised. It’s definitely a matter of the calendar. We won’t be able to play at a high level for so many years, week after week,” Iga Swiatek said. While understandable in that moment, the statement clashes with her blazing form just a month prior at the Australian Open. The subsequent losses in Qatar and Dubai have raised concerns. Now, as she heads into Indian Wells, the first combined ATP and WTA 1000 event, Swiatek faces another unusual statistic: she’s without a title in the first two months of a season for the first time since 2020. This dramatic shift from Melbourne’s dominance to recent struggles begs the question: is it simply fatigue, or does a deeper issue lie beneath? Lindsay Davenport, notably, believes the answer is more complex.
In an interaction with Tennis.com, dated February 27, the former World No.1 emphasized on what could be the cause behind Swiatek’s poor run this season. “For whatever reason, she looks more stressed out on the court,” she said. But why? According to her, it might be “because the results haven’t been there or the change of coach, I don’t know, so I’m speculating. She just doesn’t look as calm or at ease on the court.” Does she?
There have been several obstacles that have affected the World No.1 lately. Last season, in October 2024, she opted to part ways former trainer Tomasz Wiktorowski. Under his tutelage, she went on to become No.1 player while winning four out of her five major trophies. With her new coach Wim Fissette, however, she’s yet to win a title. And how can one forget her doping saga?
Moreover, she also faced the doping controversy in late 2024 after testing positive for Trimetazidine (TMZ). As a result, she served a suspension period between September and October before receiving another 1-month ban that ended in early December. Fortunately, her troubles ended soon after WADA withdrew its appeal against her in January.
“There are certain players where you feel like they can’t help but wear their emotions, and you get a really good sense of Iga if you are looking into her eyes,” added Davenport. But there’s always a brighter side. And Swiatek’s no exception.
Iga Swiatek touted to lift the trophy in Indian Wells
The good news for the World No. 2 is twofold: she broke her hard-court major semifinal drought at the Australian Open and now heads to a tournament where she has consistently performed well. How so? You’ve got to take a look at her record there.
In the last three seasons, the former World No.1 has already proved her dominance. It began in 2022’s edition, where she lifted the winner’s trophy. In the final battle, she beat Maria Sakkari 6-4, 6-1. While she failed to defend the title in 2023, Iga Swiatek did reach the semis before losing out to Elena Rybakina. However, she made a phenomenal return last season where she captured her second Indian Wells trophy. And once again, she defeated Maria Sakkari in the championship match, with a score line of 6-4, 6-0.
Considering past stats, Lindsay Davenport believes Swiatek may emerge as the winner this time, too. In the same interview, the ex-American pro expressed her honest feelings on the Pole’s prospects at the BNP Paribas Open. “Sometimes it only takes one tournament, one match, one set, something that clicks in for a player and things start to turn around,” she said.
Davenport believes the unique court conditions at Indian Wells—a high bounce combined with quick ball travel—favor players like Swiatek. The slower pace of the California desert courts grants them more time to dictate play. “She’s fortunate she’s coming into one of her favorite tournaments …for me, she’s the favorite going into Indian Wells,” concluded Davenport.
What are your thoughts? Will the Pole really make a solid comeback to win her first title in 2025? Let us know in the comments below.
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