As the clay courts of Roland Garros prepare to host another chapter of Grand Slam tennis, all eyes are firmly fixed on Iga Swiatek. The narrative around the Polish superstar this season has been complex, but a powerful message is emerging: she is not merely a contender, but the rightful owner of these hallowed clay grounds. As one prominent voice in the tennis world recently asserted, Swiatek is ready to declare that Roland Garros is “her house, she is back and not the mouse.”
This striking declaration comes after a period where Swiatek’s seemingly unshakeable dominance faced uncharacteristic challenges. While her overall record for the 2024 season was formidable, boasting 27 wins from 36 matches and reaching deep into multiple tournaments, there were moments of tension and visible frustration. Early exits on hard courts, a surface where she had previously excelled, and a surprising loss to Danielle Collins in Rome raised questions. Swiatek herself admitted to grappling with her decision-making on court, saying, “I’m making decisions that are not really good at the moment because I just remember how it felt in previous tournaments or previous years. I kind of assume it’s going to go in and then I make mistakes. It’s not the same – I’m confused.”
However, her recent performances have emphatically silenced any whispers of vulnerability. Swiatek arrives in Paris having completed a historic “clay triple crown” in 2024, sweeping the major clay events in Madrid, Rome, and Roland Garros itself. This remarkable achievement, which saw her go 26-2 on the surface last year, underscores her unparalleled mastery of the red dirt. She has now won four of the past five French Open women’s singles titles, including three consecutively, a feat that firmly establishes her as the “Queen of Clay.”
Her record at Roland Garros is nothing short of astonishing. Since her debut in 2019, where she reached the fourth round, Swiatek has clinched the title in 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Across these triumphs, she has lost only two sets in total in her three consecutive title runs (2022-2024), a testament to her overwhelming command of the Parisian clay. Her overall record in Paris stands at an incredible 35 wins from 37 matches, with no defeats since 2021.
This dominance is rooted in a playing style perfectly suited for clay. Her Rafael Nadal-esque topspin forehand, often exceeding 3,200 revolutions per minute, creates a heavy ball that opponents struggle to handle. Her exceptional speed and agility allow her to defend relentlessly and transition seamlessly from defense to offense, constructing points with a strategic acumen that leaves rivals exasperated. As one commentator noted, her movement on clay gives her the crucial extra fraction of a second to unleash her potent weapons.
The “not the mouse” sentiment captures a shift in narrative. While Swiatek has always been a fierce competitor, there were moments earlier in her career, particularly when dealing with external pressure or unexpected defeats, where she appeared to internalize the struggle. She herself has acknowledged the double standards she faces, “When I’m highly focused and don’t show many emotions on court, I’m called a robot, my attitude labelled as inhuman. [When] I’m more expressive, showing feelings or struggling internally, I’m suddenly labelled immature or hysterical.” This year, however, she seems to have harnessed those emotions, converting potential fragility into renewed resolve.
Her ability to overcome adversity was vividly displayed in the 2024 French Open, where she faced a match point against Naomi Osaka in the second round. That moment, a near-defeat that could have derailed her campaign, instead served as a catalyst for her subsequent serene march to the title. “When you’re trying your best, it’s always the best solution. You have no regrets and you can turn tournaments into something like that,” she reflected after that victory. This resilience, coupled with her tactical adjustments and unwavering belief, highlights her growth into a truly complete champion.
As Iga Swiatek steps onto Court Philippe Chatrier once again, the message she intends to send is clear: she is not just a competitor, but the reigning monarch of these clay courts. Her recent form, coupled with her historical dominance in Paris, suggests she is ready to reaffirm her authority and prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Roland Garros is indeed her house. The “mouse” narrative has been firmly put to rest, replaced by the roar of a champion in her element.
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