The tennis world is buzzing with speculation following Iga Swiatek’s surprising defeat at the 2025 Madrid Open, where she was outplayed by Coco Gauff in a lopsided semifinal. The 6-1, 6-1 thrashing, one of Swiatek’s worst losses on clay since 2019, has sparked rumors that the World No. 2 might skip the 2025 Wimbledon Championships and the entire grass season. Coco Gauff’s former coach, Brad Gilbert, known for his candid takes and instrumental role in Gauff’s 2023 US Open triumph, didn’t hold back in addressing these reports, urging Swiatek to reconsider if her health permits.
Swiatek’s Madrid performance was a stark departure from her usual dominance on clay, a surface where she’s claimed four French Open titles. Against Gauff, the Polish star struggled, committing 28 unforced errors and appearing visibly rattled, even draping a towel over her head in distress during a second-set changeover. “Coco played good, but I think it’s, you know, on me that I didn’t move well,” Swiatek admitted post-match, acknowledging her lackluster movement and inability to adapt. The loss came amid personal challenges for Swiatek, who had recently returned to Poland for her grandfather’s funeral, a detail that added emotional weight to her campaign.
Reports from Polish media suggest Swiatek is contemplating a break from the grass season, including Wimbledon, to reset after a grueling clay campaign. A fan on social media endorsed the idea, writing, “Saw the article that @iga_swiatek may skip grass season after RG (French Open). Sounds like a good plan to me. Not many points to defend and at this point, who cares? Clear her head.” Gilbert, however, was quick to challenge this perspective. Responding directly to the fan’s post, he argued that skipping Wimbledon would be a misstep for Swiatek if she’s physically able to compete. “If she’s healthy, it’s not a good idea to miss a Grand Slam,” Gilbert wrote, emphasizing the importance of seizing every opportunity at a major tournament.
Gilbert’s stance reflects his deep understanding of the sport’s demands. Having coached Gauff to her first Grand Slam title, he knows the value of momentum and exposure at events like Wimbledon, even for players less comfortable on grass. Swiatek, a former junior champion at the All England Club in 2018, has yet to reach a Wimbledon semifinal, with her best result being a quarterfinal in 2023. Despite her struggles on grass compared to clay and hard courts, Gilbert believes the experience of competing at such a prestigious event outweighs the temptation to rest.
Swiatek’s season has been a mix of brilliance and inconsistency. While she reached the quarterfinals in every tournament she played in 2025, she has yet to secure a final, a stark contrast to her dominant 2024, which included a Roland Garros title. Her Madrid loss to Gauff, who has now won three of their last four encounters, highlights a shifting dynamic in their rivalry. Gauff’s aggressive play and improved confidence have made her a formidable opponent, with the American noting, “I was aggressive and I played with margin. Maybe her level wasn’t her best, but I think I forced her into some awkward positions.”
As Swiatek prepares for the Italian Open, where she’s a three-time champion, and the French Open, where she’s favored to defend her title, the tennis community is left wondering about her grass-season plans. Her team has confirmed she’ll compete in Rome, benefiting from a first-round bye, but her Wimbledon participation remains uncertain. The decision carries weight, especially after a season marked by a doping controversy in 2024, from which Swiatek emerged with a one-month suspension after proving no significant fault. Her resilience has been tested, both on and off the court.
Gilbert’s blunt reaction underscores a broader debate about player scheduling and mental health in tennis. While Swiatek’s need for a break is understandable, especially given her recent personal loss, Gilbert’s perspective highlights the competitive drive that defines elite
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