Iga Swiatek touched down in Paris well ahead of schedule to begin preparations for her 2025 French Open title defense. Just days after a disappointing early exit at the Italian Open, the Polish star was spotted hitting the clay courts at Roland Garros, more than 10 days before the main draw kicks off.
The early arrival has sparked a flurry of reactions online, with many fans interpreting the decision as a clear signal of her determination to turn things around after a turbulent season.
Fans React to Iga Swiatek’s Early Arrival in Paris
Swiatek, a four-time French Open champion, is yet to win a title in 2025 despite reaching the latter stages of several tournaments. Her campaign this year has included strong showings at the Australian Open, Qatar Open, Indian Wells, and Madrid Open, but each run has ended short of the winner’s circle. Her most recent setback came in Rome, where she fell in straight sets to 29th seed Danielle Collins in the third round.
Following her defeat in Rome, Swiatek is set to drop out of the WTA top 3 for the first time since March 2022. The updated rankings, expected to be released on May 19, will see her fall to World No. 4. She will be overtaken by fellow Americans Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula. The slip comes after a loss of 935 points from her 2024 Italian Open title run.
Despite the rankings shake-up, Swiatek isn’t wasting any time dwelling on the past. The official Roland Garros social media account recently posted a video of the 23-year-old already practicing on the tournament’s iconic red clay.
Spotted at Roland-Garros 🔍 Four-time singles champion Iga Swiatek 💪#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/crbmhMVrue
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 15, 2025
The clip prompted a wave of fan reactions, ranging from admiration to concern. One user remarked:
“Wow, this is incredibly early to be based in Roland Garros. Still 10-12 days before the main draw starts. Good to get some reps on this surface. If it pays off will be another matter.”
Wow, this is incredibly early to be based in Roland Garros. Still 10-12 days before the main draw starts.
Good to get some reps on this surface. If it pays off will be another matter. https://t.co/ho4xRmAgzi
— James a.k.a Tennis Ranter (@Tennisranter) May 15, 2025
Another shared a more measured take: “Yes, I’m sure it’s enormous pressure, but I think we all need to understand that she doesn’t have to win this tournament year after year, so in any case, we should just remain a strong support for her.”
Yes, I’m sure it’s enormous pressure, but I think we all need to understand that she doesn’t have to win this tournament year after year, so in any case, we should just remain a strong support for her. 💜 https://t.co/xeW3Hqd90G
— Alina (@oooooooooooooni) May 15, 2025
Amid the comments, a fan added a note of encouragement, saying: “Hope the Champ finds the form and return in a big way.”
“I respect the determination actually. Whether it’s the right approach is beyond me but I can definitely see that she wants to get back.”
“In her current form, I have ZERO expectations. She can lose to Osaka, Collins or Danilovic in the R1, or even make the semis, or possibly even win, unlikely as it is. I admire her willingness to push through. I am not sure it’s the right approach, but her work ethic is superb.”
“Days before qualies start. Has to be a good sign. Might be a terrible season for Iga, but RG is home. Would be stunned if she doesn’t use the first few rounds to get herself back to her best.”
“What happened in Stuttgart, happened. What happened in Madrid, happened. What happened in Rome, happened. And here we are… in Paris.”
Perhaps the most striking comment came from a fan who said: “lowkey bullying herself into playing well.”
Iga Swiatek Admitted to Doing Things ‘Wrong’ in Blunt Press Conference After Rome Exit
After her third-round loss to Danielle Collins at the Italian Open, Iga Swiatek admitted something was off in her game and reflected on her declining form.
“For sure it hasn’t been easy. For sure I’m doing something wrong. So I need to just regroup and kind change some stuff, had some advice from the team. I’ll just try to do this,” she said.
Swiatek also discussed her mindset and the expectations she’s setting for herself ahead of Roland Garros.
“Obviously (indiscernible) because I’m not able to play my game. I’ll just try to, you know, as I said, change my mindset a little bit, try to regroup and just focus day by day working,” she said in her post-match media interaction.