Iga Świątek had a phenomenal clay-court swing last year, with triumphs in Madrid, Rome, and Paris (French Open). However, she hasn’t been able to replicate that outcome in 2025. The Pole recently suffered a third-round exit at the Italian Open after losing to the USA’s Danielle Collins.
Świątek’s dip in form drew analysis from former American player and Serena Williams’ ex-coach Rick Macci, who believed that an early exit in Internazionali BNL d’Italia could trigger her fate at the French Open.
Serena Williams’ Ex-Coach Rick Macci Says Italian Open Blow Could Define Iga Świątek’s French Open Run
The knockout exits have been a recurring concern for the Pole this season. In fact, the same pattern emerged during the clay-court swing, with a quarterfinal loss in Stuttgart and a crushing 6-1, 6-1 semifinal defeat in Madrid. Her frustration visibly boiled over, earning her a code violation. This was followed by a third-round loss to Danielle Collins in Rome.
The Italian Open was pivotal for Świątek to maintain her hold on the No. 2 spot in the WTA rankings. But with an early exit in Rome, she’s now set to slide to at least No. 4, the first time outside the top two in nearly three years.
Reflecting on Świątek’s form, Macci expressed faith in her resilience but noted that her mental dip in Madrid and Rome could either fuel a comeback or extend her slump at the French Open.
“Iga will be fine. She is a champion. But this might get more tricky before a treat. Clay is her second Home but mentally checked out in Madrid and Rome. The French open could trigger a positive Vibe or more negativity and another nose Dive,” he wrote on X.
Iga will be fine. She is a champion. But this might get more tricky before a treat. Clay is her second Home but mentally checked out in Madrid and Rome. The French open could trigger a positive Vibe or more negativity and another nose Dive.
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci)
In another post, Macci suggested that Świątek’s recent struggles stem from shaken self-belief, while her talent remains intact.
“Iga best asset was that deep feeling of assurance and belief in herself and her ability. Her belief in her overall capacity to succeed has been sidetracked. Why? Not sure but you do not lose the talent or the championship DNA but when you keep having extreme Doubt your Out,” he shared another post on X.
Iga best asset was that deep feeling of assurance and belief in herself and her ability. Her belief in her overall capacity to succeed has been sidetracked. Why? Not sure but you do not lose the talent or the championship DNA but when you keep having extreme Doubt your Out.
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci)
The five-time major champion hit 22 unforced errors against 15 winners. Meanwhile, Collins dominated the match with 32 winners against only 15 unforced errors. This also marked the American’s second win against Świątek, who leads 7-2 in their head-to-head.
“It’s My Mistake, and I’m Not Doing Things Right”: Iga Świątek After Italian Open Exit
During her post-match press conference, Świątek admitted that dwelling too much on her mistakes and subdued efforts contributed to the loss.
“I don’t know. Well, I think I just wasn’t there present to, like, fight and to compete. I focused on mistakes. It’s my mistake, and I’m not doing things right. So yeah, the focus is on the wrong things from my side, and I’ll try to change that,” she said.
The Pole also seemed pessimistic heading into Roland Garros, emphasizing the need to change her mindset.
“Obviously 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.
The 23-year-old holds a 27-9 win-loss record this season and has yet to win a title. Heading into the French Open, Świątek will aim to win her first title of the season.
