There have been many memorable rivalries in women’s tennis, and it looks like Coco Gauff vs. Iga Świątek is becoming one of them in recent times. Former American pros Sam Querrey, John Isner, Steve Johnson, and Jack Sock believe the growing on-court rivalry between the two has quietly become the most interesting matchup on the WTA Tour.
Pros Discuss Coco Gauff-Iga Świątek Animosity Ahead of Australian Open
As the 2026 Australian Open is about to begin, one of the biggest talking points in tennis isn’t just rankings or form; it’s personal rivalry.
On a recent episode of their Nothing Major podcast, the former pros broke down how the head-to-head between the two Grand Slam champions has changed. Querrey said that something feels different now. “There’s a little rivalry going on between, like, Coco and Iga. I love it,” he said.
Then Sock pointed out Gauff’s recent edge over Świątek, “She’s won four in a row against her.” Querrey then added, “There’s a little animosity between the two, and it’s like making for like a great little rivalry. Coco’s won the last four.”
Johnson then reminded everyone that Świątek once dominated the rivalry. “Iga won 11 of the first 12,” he said. Querrey then summed it up by calling it the best rivalry in women’s side right now. “Like on the women’s side, it’s the best. It’s the most intriguing matchup for sure,” he said.
Gauff and Świątek Downplayed Their Animosity Talks in the Past
However, despite talks of tension, there doesn’t appear to be any personal issue between Gauff and Świątek. All those moments that ignite such talks seem to come from the intensity of competition, like after their seemingly tense handshake during the 2026 United Cup.
Gauff later brushed off the moment, calling it a “heat of the moment” situation driven by pressure and national pride rather than personal feelings.
“Obviously, we had a moment but, no, we talked about it afterwards, and it was nothing personal,” she said. She explained that team events bring out emotions that players don’t usually experience playing individually.
“That was my first time playing the United Cup. It meant a lot to us to win, but it probably would [have meant] even more for them to win. It was just … ‘we wanted to win bad, they wanted to win bad.’ You know, healthy competition,” she added.
There is respect from Świątek’s side as well. The Polish star congratulated Gauff after her 2025 French Open win on her Instagram post as well, and the American also commented under the post, “thank you so much iga:)!”
The stats show why this rivalry has drawn so much attention. Świątek still leads their overall head-to-head 11–5 after 16 matches, but Gauff comes into Melbourne on a four-match winning streak against the Polish star.
