Once the undisputed queen of Roland Garros, Iga Swiatek now heads into the 2025 French Open with uncertainty clouding her crown. The Polish star, who has claimed four French Open titles since 2020, finds herself ranked fifth in the world, marking the end of a 173-week stint inside the top two. This drop not only adds pressure but also increases the likelihood of a tougher draw in her quest for a fifth crown in six years.
Swiatek’s dominance in Paris — where she boasts a 35-2 win-loss record — has been unmatched in recent years. But her recent form paints a concerning picture. She has not won a title since lifting the French Open trophy in 2024, with her latest setback being a third-round defeat to Danielle Collins in Rome, which followed a humbling 6-1, 6-1 semi-final loss to Coco Gauff in Madrid.
“It hasn’t been easy. For sure I’m doing something wrong,” Swiatek admitted candidly after her Rome exit. “I need to regroup and change some stuff.”
A Year of Personal and Professional Turmoil
Swiatek’s struggles date back to the end of last season when she missed the Asian swing citing personal issues. It was later revealed she had served a one-month ban after testing positive for trimetazidine, a banned heart medication. Authorities accepted her claim that the substance came from contaminated over-the-counter sleep aid, but Swiatek described the period as “the worst experience of my life,” citing intense stress and anxiety.
Her return at the WTA Finals in Riyadh offered hope, but inconsistency has persisted. She’s reached the quarter-finals or better in seven of her eight tournaments this year but has yet to reach a final, including a heartbreaking Australian Open semi-final loss to Madison Keys after holding a match point.
On top of on-court issues, Swiatek has faced off-court distractions too. From breaking down in tears mid-match in Madrid following a personal loss, to criticism over her behaviour toward a ball boy at Indian Wells, the 23-year-old has appeared emotionally fragile. She has even needed increased security after a disturbing spectator incident in Miami.
Coaching Transition Still in Progress
Swiatek’s partnership with seasoned coach Wim Fissette — known for guiding the likes of Kim Clijsters, Naomi Osaka, and Angelique Kerber to Grand Slam titles — has yet to deliver results. Still, Swiatek remains supportive of Fissette and her longtime sports psychologist Daria Abramowicz, attributing her dip in form to internal confusion rather than external influence.
“I’m making decisions that are not really good at the moment because I just remember how it felt in previous tournaments or previous years,” she said. “It’s not the same — I’m confused.”
Can the Queen Reclaim Her Throne?
Justine Henin, a four-time French Open champion like Swiatek, believes her struggles may deepen before they improve.
“She’s in a vicious circle,” Henin said. “Maybe it’s time for things to come to a head… perhaps she’ll sink here before finding her path again.”
But not everyone is ready to write her off. Coco Gauff, who has lost to Swiatek in her last two Roland Garros appearances, knows better than most what Swiatek is capable of in Paris.
“If someone wins a tournament that many times, regardless of what shape they’re in, they can definitely figure out a way to win again,” Gauff warned.
The Verdict
Swiatek’s incredible record at Roland Garros makes her a perennial threat, but 2025 might be her most challenging campaign yet. With emotional scars, confidence shaken, and rivals closing in, the Queen of Clay must rediscover her composure quickly — or risk watching her throne slip away.
