'It’s going to take a lot of mental strength' – Chris Evert weighs in on Iga Swiatek’s title chances

Seven-time Roland Garros champion Chris Evert has addressed the growing doubts surrounding Iga Swiatek’s form ahead of this year’s tournament. The American legend believes the Polish star needs to “reset and figure it out,” though she still sees Swiatek as a strong contender, especially given the Parisian clay that suits her game best.

The 23-year-old arrives at Roland Garros as World No. 5, without a title since lifting the trophy here in 2024. She also failed to defend her titles in Madrid and Rome, losing in the third round in the Italian capital to Danielle Collins.

It’s been another early exit for a player who won 11 titles across 2023 and 2024, but now marks a full year without silverware. “She was ranked number one in the world, dominated the clay courts, and had just won the French Open. She hasn’t won a title since. So that’s an issue for her. It’s really weighing on her mind right now. She’s playing, I think, with more stress, and you can see that with a little bit more emotion. She lost her game a little bit along the way,” said Evert.

As Swiatek prepares to open her campaign on Monday against Rebecca Sramkova, the most decorated women’s champion in Paris shared her thoughts during a recent segment on TNT Sports. “It’s just an ego thing that comes into it,” said Evert.

“There are issues, and she needs to reset and figure it out. She’s been around for a long time, trying to give confidence, but she lost that belief. She used to walk on court knowing she would win. She believed she could outplay anyone by staying aggressive.”

“That doesn’t mean she can’t find it again—I believe in her. And the Roland Garros clay, being slower than Madrid or Rome, might help her rediscover her game. But it’s going to take a lot of mental strength,” the former World No. 1 concluded.