Lindsay Davenport believes the mental part will be the biggest challenge for Iga Swiatek in Indian Wells as the American has noticed the Pole looking “more stressed out on the court” lately.
When the 23-year-old captured her fifth Grand Slam title at the French Open in early June, no one could predict that she would enter this year’s Indian Wells without seeking her first title in nine months.
Over the years, the world No. 2 built a reputation of coming up big when it matters the most.
But that hasn’t been the case this year since Swiatek lost to Coco Gauff in the United Cup final between Poland and the United Cup – she lost a thriller Australian Open semifinal to Madison Keys – was annihilated by Jelena Ostapenko in the Doha semifinal – and was also bounced by Mirra Andreeva in the Dubai quarterfinal last week.
Davenport: Swiatek just doesn’t look as calm or at ease on the court
“There are certain players where you feel like they can’t help but wear their emotions, and you get a really good sense of Iga if you are looking into her eyes,” the former three-time Grand Slam winner told tennis.com.
“For whatever reason, she looks more stressed out on the court. Whether that’s because the results haven’t been there or the change of coach, I don’t know, so I’m speculating.
“She just doesn’t look as calm or at ease on the court.”
Since 2022, Swiatek has posted a 16-1 record in Indian Wells – won titles in 2022 and 2024 while she was a semifinalist in 2023.
The Pole’s current situation may not be the best but Davenport absolutely believes the 23-year-old could end her title drought in the desert.
“Sometimes it only takes one tournament, one match, one set, something that clicks in for a player and things start to turn around,” the American former world No. 1 said.
“She’s fortunate she’s coming into one of her favorite tournaments … for me, she’s the favorite going into Indian Wells.”
