The air crackles with anticipation as the French Open approaches, and the question on everyone’s mind is whether Iga Swiatek can continue her reign on the Parisian clay. The Polish star, a dominant force at Roland Garros in recent years, winning the title four times in the last five editions, including a remarkable three consecutive victories, now faces a cloud of uncertainty.
Tennis legend Chris Evert, a seven-time champion at the French Open, recently shared her perspective on the upcoming tournament, naming her top four contenders. While Swiatek’s name was among them, Evert expressed reservations about the current form of the world No. 2.
“I don’t know how you can pick anybody between [Aryna] Sabalenka, Iga, and Coco, and with Madison Keys, really, to me would be my fourth pick,”1 Evert stated, highlighting the competitive field. Her inclusion of Swiatek acknowledges the Pole’s undeniable prowess on this surface and her impressive track record at Roland Garros.
However, Evert also voiced concerns about Swiatek’s recent performances. “I just don’t know how Iga is going to react. That, to me, is the unknown,” she admitted. “We know what she is capable of, and with her past records, she’s brilliant at the French Open, but I just don’t know if she can find her A game, because she’s going to need it. It’s kind of like we’re seeing her C game right now.”2
Swiatek’s recent clay-court swing has indeed been less than stellar by her standards. An early exit at the Italian Open, where she was defeated in the round of 32, followed a semi-final loss in Madrid. These results stand in stark contrast to her dominant run last year, where she swept the titles in Madrid, Rome, and Paris, solidifying her reputation as the “Queen of Clay.”
Despite these recent setbacks, Swiatek’s history at Roland Garros speaks for itself. Her impressive 35-2 career record at the tournament underscores her comfort and mastery on the terre battue. Only two players have managed to defeat her in Paris: Maria Sakkari in 2021 and Zheng Qinwen at the Olympics semifinal in 2024. Moreover, Swiatek holds the distinction of being the youngest woman in the Open Era to win four French Open titles.
Evert herself had previously suggested that Swiatek possessed the potential to surpass her own record of seven French Open crowns, even envisioning the young star achieving double-digit Grand Slam titles. This makes her current assessment of Swiatek’s chances all the more noteworthy.
The other players mentioned by Evert as potential favorites present formidable challenges. Aryna Sabalenka has been in exceptional form this year, already claiming three titles. Her powerful game and aggressive style make her a threat on any surface. Coco Gauff has also demonstrated her capabilities, reaching the final in Madrid and consistently performing at a high level. Madison Keys, with her powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes, adds another layer of unpredictability to the women’s draw.
As the French Open draws nearer, all eyes will be on Iga Swiatek. Can she rediscover her championship-winning form on her beloved clay? Or will the recent struggles prove to be a significant hurdle in her quest for a fourth consecutive title? The answers to these questions will unfold in the coming weeks, promising an enthralling and unpredictable tournament. The tennis world eagerly awaits to see if the “Queen of Clay” can reclaim her throne or if a new contender will emerge victorious on the red dirt of Roland Garros.
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