OMNI•4 min•
Rennae Stubbs Reveals Key to Iga Swiatek's Comeback
Rennae Stubbs suggests Iga Swiatek could improve her game by avoiding early direction changes and utilizing the center of the court more.
#Iga Swiatek#Rennae Stubbs#WTA#Tennis
Iga Swiatek's 2026 campaign on the WTA Tour hasn't gone according to plan.
After winning the United Cup alongside Hubert Hurkacz in January, Swiatek has struggled to recapture her best form, suffering multiple early exits at major WTA Tour events.
Swiatek's woes came to a head in Miami, where she lost her opening match to compatriot Magda Linette; Swiatek later described the situation as her 'worst nightmare' and has since split with coach Wim Fissette.
After winning the United Cup alongside Hubert Hurkacz in January, Swiatek has struggled to recapture her best form, suffering multiple early exits at major WTA Tour events.
Swiatek's woes came to a head in Miami, where she lost her opening match to compatriot Magda Linette; Swiatek later described the situation as her 'worst nightmare' and has since split with coach Wim Fissette.
Rennae Stubbs, on her tennis podcast, analyzed Swiatek's game and offered tactical advice to the six-time Grand Slam champion.
Stubbs suggests that Swiatek is trying to hit winners too early in rallies, which could be affecting her performance.
The former player advises Swiatek to stick with the same shot and not try to change the direction of the ball too soon.
Stubbs suggests that Swiatek is trying to hit winners too early in rallies, which could be affecting her performance.
The former player advises Swiatek to stick with the same shot and not try to change the direction of the ball too soon.
Stubbs emphasizes the importance of maintaining constant pressure on the opponent and using the center of the court as a key resource, especially under pressure.
This year, Swiatek has suffered losses to Elina Svitolina, Belinda Bencic, Maria Sakkari, Elena Rybakina, Magda Linette, and Coco Gauff, players whom Swiatek is more than capable of defeating.
The Grand Slam doubles champion suggests that Swiatek needs to modify her game to improve her form on the WTA Tour.
This year, Swiatek has suffered losses to Elina Svitolina, Belinda Bencic, Maria Sakkari, Elena Rybakina, Magda Linette, and Coco Gauff, players whom Swiatek is more than capable of defeating.
The Grand Slam doubles champion suggests that Swiatek needs to modify her game to improve her form on the WTA Tour.
Following her disappointing Miami Open campaign, Swiatek will take an extended break.
The Polish player is set to forgo multiple WTA events and return for the Madrid Open, which begins on April 21.
Swiatek's decision to take a break has been praised by Rick Macci, who described the choice as 'very smart'.
The Polish player is set to forgo multiple WTA events and return for the Madrid Open, which begins on April 21.
Swiatek's decision to take a break has been praised by Rick Macci, who described the choice as 'very smart'.
Iga Świątek has an impressive record at the Madrid Open, reaching at least the semi-finals in three of her four tournament appearances.
In 2021, she reached the third round before losing to Ashleigh Barty, the world number one; in 2023, she was the runner-up after losing to Aryna Sabalenka.
A year later, Swiatek avenged her loss to Sabalenka, defeating the Belarusian 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 in the 2024 final; in 2025, she reached the semi-finals, losing to Coco Gauff.
In 2021, she reached the third round before losing to Ashleigh Barty, the world number one; in 2023, she was the runner-up after losing to Aryna Sabalenka.
A year later, Swiatek avenged her loss to Sabalenka, defeating the Belarusian 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 in the 2024 final; in 2025, she reached the semi-finals, losing to Coco Gauff.
Related Stories
OMNI•2 min•
OMNI•4 min•