'I'll definitely need more intuition': Iga Swiatek aims for mental reset at Roland Garros

Iga Swiatek is anticipating her participation in Roland Garros 2025, where she is seeking a "change on her mindset" to find solutions in complicated moments. The four-time French Open champion arrives at the tournament with more doubts than certainties, but it will be an ideal scenario for her to reconnect with her best tennis.

The Pole earned the title of "Queen of Clay" with four Roland Garros titles and another four WTA 1000 titles on the same surface. However, this year, things have not gone the best way for the Pole on clay; she couldn't defend a large number of points and consequently fell out of the top 2 for the first time in over three years, holding the world No. 5 ranking as she begins the tournament.

Swiatek had been the most consistent player on Tour across all surfaces in recent years, especially on clay. However, this year she has appeared more vulnerable, suffering defeats in the Madrid Open semifinals against Coco Gauff, and subsequently in the third round of Rome against Danielle Collins.

Nevertheless, Swiatek remains a favorite at Roland Garros (alongside Aryna Sabalenka), where she boasts a 21-match winning streak and a career record of 35-2. Iga's game plan for years has been unbreachable, but her next challenge is to overcome difficult moments, adapting her game to different situations that may arise during a match.

"I'll definitely need more intuition, because my plan is to almost always be running and defense well, which has always been in my blood," the world No. 5 stated in conversation with Eurosport. "It was hard for me to force myself to react faster and this is what I would like to change in my mindset."

Swiatek has a tough draw, facing strong opponents from the start. She will debut against Rebecca Sramkova in the first round, and potential clashes against Emma Raducanu and Marta Kostyuk loom during the first week if all goes well for the Pole. Furthermore, if she aims for the title, a potential semifinal clash with Sabalenka looms, making her path likely more complicated than in previous years.