Iga Swiatek told what has been the most ‘concerning’ part of her 2026 season by Andrea Petkovic

While it has by no means been a disaster, Iga Swiatek's season could be summarised as underwhelming.

And up until her triumph at the Canadian Open, it could have been described as disappointing, given her results at big tournaments prior to the North American hard-court swing.

Advertisement

Swiatek had an indifferent start to her 2026 campaign, reaching the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, the Qatar Open and the Indian Wells Open.

The Pole then suffered early exits in Miami and Madrid before bowing out in the fourth round of Roland Garros, where she has dominated in the past.

Her Wimbledon title defence was then ended in the third round, but she bounced back by winning the title in Toronto and reaching the semifinals in Cincinnati.

Following another short-lived Grand Slam run for Swiatek at the US Open, former world number seven Andrea Petkovic had some encouraging words for the 25-year-old.

Andrea Petkovic reacts to Iga Swiatek's season so far

Responding to a fan of Swiatek's on social media, Petkovic said of the six-time major champion: "She is already on exactly the right path! She played really well in both Toronto and Cincinnati and just got a little tired there towards the end of Cincinnati, I would say.

Advertisement

"The more concerning part, I imagine Iga fans worry about, is the fact that she hasn't done super well in majors lately.

"Not since Wimbledon [2025], at least. And I do think that she puts an extra amount of pressure on her results during those events.

"Being high-strung in general makes it difficult for her to perform [at] her best. Nevertheless, she's a great champion, one of the best athletes and tennis players this sport has ever seen.

"And I, for one, am certain that she will end her career with double-digit major titles. She's still so young, and it's normal to go through difficult periods in your career."

Iga Swiatek backed by former coach after the US Open loss

Swiatek's loss at the US Open was perhaps the most disappointing of her year, as she had looked to be gaining momentum prior to her run in New York.

Advertisement

She was denied a place in the quarterfinals of the US Open by Qinwen Zheng, who beat her in straight sets.

Weeks after the defeat, Swiatek has been backed by her former coach, Katerina Urbanova.

As per journalist Dominik Senkowski, Urbanova said: "Iga has achieved so much that she deserves more respect.

"I look at it from the sidelines, and honestly, it makes me sick to see what's happening after her losses. Let's respect the girl who really works hard."

Swiatek's next appearance at a major will come at the 2027 Australian Open, where she will have the chance to complete the Career Grand Slam.

Click here to read article