Iga Swiatek is no stranger to headlines, but lately, they’ve been anything but celebratory. Why, you ask? From facing the heat of a doping controversy to back-to-back defeats at the hands of Coco Gauff, the Polish star has left the tennis community both shocked and intrigued. And just when it seemed like things couldn’t get more complicated, there is another curveball in play. As the Australian Open looms, tennis legend Todd Woodbridge has added fuel to the fire with a remark that’s raised eyebrows.
The former Australian player engaged in an interaction on Channel Nine, as part of the panel to preview the Australian Open on Sunday. He highlighted that American sensation Coco Gauff has a clear upper hand in the tournament, who is relying on her calmness. But what caught the attention further was Woodbridge’s assessment of Iga Swiatek, whom she believes to be not at the best of her form.
Speaking in the discussion, Woodbridge lauded Gauff and said she is “calm as a cucumber. She seems to be in the best headspace of all of the players I have been see. so far.” He soon shifted focus to Swiatek and commented on her United Cup performance. “Iga, she was anxious up in Sydney,” he said. Continuing further, he elaborated and shared that although she was performing well, it was not the best of her gameplay.
She was playing well, but it wasn’t as smooth as I think she possibly would have liked. She got plenty of time to maybe ease through this, but you know,” Woodbridge added. Remember, the Polish sensation delivered some interesting knocks throughout the United Cup and helped her team reach the finals. However, nervousness and trouble seemed to hit her immensely in the final match against Coco Gauff.
The Pole was seen taking a break as she trailed 6-4, 2-1. The usually calm Iga Swiatek received assistance from her friend Maja Chwalinska who put ice packs on Swiatek’s neck and head, probably to cool her down. Eventually, the tennis arena witnessed the 5-time Grand Slam champion breaking down in tears after conceding defeat to Gauff. Notably, this was only the third time when Swiatek lost to Gauff in their 14 encounters, two of which came in quick succession at the WTA Finals and then Sydney. One of the major reasons behind this can also be attributed to her doping saga.
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Is Iga Swiatek’s reign in tennis under threat, or will she bounce back stronger than ever?
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Remember, Swiatek faced a one-month ban after she tested positive for the banned substance Trimetazidine also known as TMZ, in an out-of-competition sample in August 2024. However, the ITIA ruled that the contamination was caused unintentionally after Swiatek consumed nonprescription medication, melatonin. But Swiatek acknowledged that the phase was filled with uncertainties and challenges for her. However, when expectations are growing more for Gauff at the Australian Open, the star player is seemingly unwilling to undermine Swiatek as she made an honest remark about her skills.
Coco Gauff not willing to undermine Iga Swiatek ahead of Australian Open
Iga Swiatek will play her first match against Katerina Siniakova on Monday. One of the fiercest matches that Swiatek is expected to play will come against Coco Gauff if both players manage to qualify for the finals. But despite defeating Swiatek in their last two encounters, Gauff believes that the Pole has not lost her confidence despite the challenges she faced owing to her doping controversy.
Speaking about the same ahead of her run to the Australian Open, the American star said, “I wouldn’t say she’s dropped her confidence. From our interactions, I definitely don’t think anything she did was intentional. I mean, I found out about it with the rest of the world. She’s still playing great tennis, and I think she’s fine.” Continuing further, she also lauded her skills and highlighted her potential to outclass anyone on the courts.
She’s still No. 2 in the world and playing amazing tennis. The match we played (at the United Cup) could have easily gone the other way. She’s always going to play amazing tennis,” Gauff added. Now, with the Australian Open unfolding, it would be interesting to see if Swiatek manages to bounce back and style, win the title, and add yet another feather to her glorious crown.
