Jessica Pegula has brushed aside suggestions that four-time champion Iga Świątek has lost her aura at the French Open, despite the Pole’s recent struggle with form. The American explained why Świątek still remains a major threat on clay, while also breaking down why her success has waned, drawing a comparison to Jannik Sinner’s dominance.
What Jessica Pegula Said About Iga Świątek’s ‘Aura’ at the French Open
Last year, Świątek arrived at the clay-court Major on the hunt for her fourth consecutive French Open title. Although she failed to win any of her warm-up events on clay, her remarkable track record at Roland Garros still made her a major contender for the title. However, the Pole suffered a loss to eventual runner-up Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals.
With Świątek enduring an underwhelming 2026 season and still searching for her first clay title of the year, Pegula was asked about whether the 24-year-old’s “aura” has faded during her pre-tournament press conference. The world No. 5 was quick to dismiss that notion, emphasizing that the Pole’s status as a Grand Slam champion across all three surfaces speaks for itself.
“I think those few years with Iga on clay was definitely tough because she was the best clay court player that we had and she was so dominant on it. I don’t know if she’s lost any aura. She is still an amazing multiple grand slam champion, has won on all surfaces and everything. That’s always gonna be there,” Pegula said.
Pegula emphasized that whenever a player reaches the level of dominance Świątek did, the rest of the field inevitably works to decode their game. She compared the six-time Grand Slam champion’s situation to Jannik Sinner’s current dominance on the ATP Tour.
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“I think when you play a lot, people are training to figure you out and figure how to beat you. I think when you are that good and that much higher, like what is happening with Jannik, is that all these girls started looking at how to beat her,” she added.
The American further said that, despite Świątek no longer appearing untouchable, no player would want to face the four-time champion at the French Open.
“I think the depth got a bit better as well and maybe she just wasn’t as confident a few times here and there, in a few matches and that can always sway. But I mean she’s so young and I think there’s always going to be ebbs and flows in a career. She’s already been a great champion. At the same time, she’s not as dominant as those years but I don’t know if you’d really want to play her here as well, knowing her experience here,” she said.
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Jessica Pegula will then be pleased to find herself in the opposite half of the French Open draw from Iga Świątek, as it ensures they can only meet in the final. The American will kick off her campaign against Kimberly Birrell, while Świątek takes on Emerson Jones in the first round.
