Iga Swiatek’s Journey at Roland Garros
Iga Swiatek is stepping onto the courts of Roland Garros with the goal of securing her fifth title in Paris, a feat that would be particularly significant given the challenges she has faced in recent times. The second Grand Slam of the season kicked off on May 24, with top players from around the world making their way to the French capital, all aiming to claim one of the most prestigious trophies in tennis.
Swiatek started her campaign with a commanding performance, defeating Australian player Emerson Jones 6-1 and 6-2 in the first round. She is now set to face Sara Bejlek as she continues her quest for another title in Paris.
Despite a season marked by some struggles and inconsistent performances, Swiatek remains one of the favorites due to her exceptional record on clay courts and her history of success at Roland Garros. For several years, she was considered nearly unbeatable on clay, establishing herself as a leading player of her generation. Her first French Open title in 2020 at just 19 years old helped solidify her status as a rising star in women’s tennis.
However, the past two seasons have not been as dominant as the earlier years that saw her rise to World No. 1. In 2024, Swiatek began to show signs of vulnerability. Yet, she still managed to win three titles last season, including her first Wimbledon championship, which was also her first career title on grass.
A Fall from the Top
A Tough Clay-Court Season
This year’s clay season has been far from ideal for Swiatek. Results that were once automatic have become more challenging to achieve, and several unexpected defeats have raised questions about her current form heading into Roland Garros.
In Stuttgart, she suffered a quarterfinal loss to Mirra Andreeva in a three-set battle, losing 6-3, 4-6, and 3-6. Things became even more complicated at the Madrid Open when she had to withdraw in the third set due to a gastrointestinal illness. At the Italian Open, Swiatek again fell short of expectations, losing in the semifinals to Elina Svitolina in another disappointing result.
Despite these struggles, Roland Garros remains the tournament most closely associated with Swiatek’s legacy, where she has consistently produced her best tennis under pressure. She captured the title in 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024, cementing her status as the “Queen of Clay.”
Still, memories of last year’s defeat remain fresh. Her 2025 campaign ended in disappointment after a semifinal loss to Aryna Sabalenka. After a tight opening set, Swiatek faded physically and mentally, eventually losing 6-7, 6-4, and 0-6. The result marked one of her toughest losses at Roland Garros.
The Competition in Paris
The competition in this year’s tournament is expected to be extremely strong. Among the biggest threats is Coco Gauff, the reigning Roland Garros champion who defeated Sabalenka in last year’s final. Sabalenka also remains one of the most dangerous players in the draw despite an inconsistent clay season. The Belarusian star suffered surprising defeats in Madrid against Hailey Baptiste and later at the Italian Open against Sorana Cîrstea.
With several top players struggling for consistency, this year’s women’s draw in Paris appears more open than it has in recent seasons. That uncertainty could either benefit Swiatek or make her path even more complicated.
Can Iga Swiatek Reclaim Her Throne?
As Roland Garros begins, the question remains whether she will once again prove why she became the queen of clay, or if a new era in women’s tennis has finally arrived in Paris.
