Will the World No. 2 feature on the hallowed grass?
After recent rumours about potentially taking a break after the 2025 Roland Garros Championships, World No. 2 Iga Swiatek has hit back at the media. Her statements come in the aftermath of inconsistencies with form, which led to multiple reports about the 23-year-old possibly skipping the grass court season before the US Open. And now, Swiatek has given an eye-opening reply at the 2025 Italian Open to everyone concerned.
At the recently concluded Madrid Open, Swiatek was dumped out of the tournament by No. 4 seed Coco Gauff. It was a surprisingly meek performance from the five-time Grand Slam winner, resulting in a 1-6 1-6 thumping. Considering the supremely high standards set by Swiatek on tour, 2025 has proven to draw blanks for her. She is yet to win a title this year or enter a final thus far.
Contrary to the prior reports, former World No. 1 Swiatek has denied having plans to skip the solitary grass court major. “Who said that,” countered Swiatek when asked about the hearsay regarding her grass court season plans. “You shouldn’t believe this stuff. Well during the past few days, I saw like a million comments that were not true so…”
Earlier Brad Gilbert, former coach of players like Coco Gauff and Andy Murray, criticised the alleged decision of Swiatek to skip Wimbledon. However, the Polish sensation did not pay heed to the white noise. “I don’t get it. There are so many theories right now, I would say especially in Polish media, about me that are not true.”
“I think, I don’t know, you guys like to make some articles that will attract people. And I get it – it’s part of the job. But yeah, for sure I’m not going to skip Wimbledon. I really want to learn how to play on grass better and every year is another opportunity. So I will play Wimbledon for sure – unless I get injured.”
Iga Swiatek thrashed current World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final of last year’s Rome 1000 event. She is the No. 2 seed in the 2025 edition of the competition – and starts off with a bye in Round-1. She will face either Elina Avanesyan or Elisabetta Cocciaretto in Round-2. A familiar foe in Danielle Collins could potentially await the defending Roland Garros champion in the Round of 32.
Provided Swiatek makes it through to the Round of 16, fans could be treated to a blockbuster clash against No. 16 seed Elina Svitolina. In the quarterfinals, it could be one of the two powerhouses – Paula Badosa or Madison Keys – who opposes the Pole from entering the final four. As per the seeding, either Jessica Pegula or Jasmine Paolini will be Swiatek’s possible semifinal opponents before a potential rematch against World No. 1 Sabalenka in the summit clash.
Can Iga Swiatek retain her coveted crowns in Rome and Paris this year? Rest assured, she will gather some much-needed confidence and momentum before heading to Wimbledon if she can.
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