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Iga Swiatek might find her salvation in Tennis Paradise, according to Hall of Famer Lindsay Davenport. She believes it’s exactly what Swiatek needs to shake off a string of disappointing losses.
Davenport shared her insights on a Zoom call, emphasizing why Swiatek faltered during her Middle East tour. As part of Tennis Channel’s comprehensive BNP Paribas Open coverage, Davenport detailed her thoughts on Swiatek’s potential resurgence in Indian Wells.
During her Middle East matches, Swiatek’s stress was apparent in both her facial expressions and her demeanor. Her performance in Dubai, ending in a 6-3, 6-3 loss to Mirra Andreeva, followed a tough defeat by Jelena Ostapenko in Doha’s semifinals. Davenport commented, “When Iga plays, you can often read her emotions in her eyes. Lately, she seems more stressed, and whether that’s due to less-than-ideal results or changes in her coaching, it’s hard to say. She seems less composed during tight matches, unlike when she’s at the top of her game.”
Swiatek has triumphed twice at Indian Wells in the last three years, though this time, she’s returning with more questions than before. After defending her Doha title with a 14-2 record last year, she showcased dominance at the 2024 Indian Wells, not dropping a set and defeating formidable opponents like Danielle Collins and Maria Sakkari in the finals.
Launching her title defense this year will be different for Swiatek. Under her new coach, Wim Fissette, she’s been trying to dominate with her speed and spinning techniques. However, her recent defeats, including the grueling Australian Open semifinal against Madison Keys and straight-set losses to Ostapenko and Andreeva, highlight her struggles against players who can dictate the pace.
Davenport predicts Indian Wells will play to Swiatek’s strengths. “The court there is slow and gritty,” she explained. “This allows Swiatek to set up her forehand perfectly, and the altitude adds an extra dimension, enabling her heavy topspin to flourish while her opponents’ flat shots tend to fly long.”
Swiatek’s confidence in Tennis Paradise, paired with her past successes, might be the boost she desperately needs. Davenport noted, “Sometimes one tournament or even one set can turn things around. Swiatek is lucky to be playing where she’s been wildly successful. Those positive experiences can certainly flip the switch.”
Swiatek, along with players like Alcaraz, can still hit hard and break through challenging conditions. But her greatest hurdle seems mental: “Is she fresh and confident? Does she believe she can win? Like Sabalenka, she’s disappointed with missed Grand Slam opportunities. But she has the skills; she just needs to believe in them again.”
Davenport advises watching Swiatek’s body language closely. “Her composure between points tells a lot. She has a drive to reclaim the No. 1 spot, but her mindset and how she carries herself in practice and on court will be telling signs of her feelings and readiness.”
As Swiatek steps onto the court, her fans and opponents alike know it’s not just the physical game but also her mental resilience that can make or break her success.
