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The 2025 French Open women’s title race is heating up, with World No. 2 Coco Gauff and four-time Roland Garros champion Iga Swiatek emerging as top contenders. Amid the buzz, a former US World No. 1 and 16-time Grand Slam winner has weighed in on who could prevail if these rivals clash in Paris. While Gauff holds a 2025 head-to-head edge after defeating Swiatek in the Madrid Open semifinals, the Pole dominates their overall rivalry 11-4.
As the tennis world debates this potential showdown, the American legend’s verdict adds fresh intrigue to the clay-court spectacle.
Read More: Can Coco Gauff overcome the Iga Swiatek threat at French Open 2025, explore the odds
John McEnroe’s verdict: Why experience trumps momentum
Tennis icon John McEnroe, analyzing the tournament for TNT Sports, acknowledged Gauff’s improvements but cast his vote for Iga Swiatek’s clay-court mastery. Breaking down their strengths, McEnroe highlighted Coco Gauff’s explosive backhand, elite movement, and tenacity as key assets. However, he pinpointed her serve inconsistency as a critical flaw, noting her tendency to leak double faults under pressure.
“She likes to go big, but her percentage drops. That’s not helpful in a Slam,” he observed, referencing her occasional struggles to balance power and precision.
Swiatek, despite a title drought since her 2024 Roland Garros triumph, earned McEnroe’s nod due to her unrivaled pedigree on clay.
“Would I pick anyone ahead of Swiatek here? Even without recent wins, her dominance at this event speaks louder,” he stated.
The four-time French Open winner’s ability to dismantle opponents with heavy topspin and tactical variety, McEnroe argued, makes her the “default favorite” despite Gauff’s recent Madrid upset.
Coco Gauff’s quest vs. Iga Swiatek’s French Open legacy
Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, seeks her second Grand Slam title and first at Roland Garros, where she fell to Swiatek in the 2022 final. Her 2025 clay season has showcased a refined forehand and sharper net play, but McEnroe cautioned that Iga Swiatek’s “psychic hold” over the Parisian dirt remains formidable.
“No one on tour is lining up to challenge Iga here,” he remarked, alluding to the Pole’s aura at a tournament she’s owned since 2020.
Swiatek’s 2025 form has been patchy, with early exits at the Australian Open and Indian Wells. Yet McEnroe emphasized her knack for peaking at Roland Garros, where her 87% career win rate dwarfs Coco Gauff’s 75%.
“This is her kingdom. Even an off-year Iga is lethal here,” he added, referencing her ability to elevate her game when trophies are on the line.
The X-Factors: Serve woes vs. Mental fortitude
McEnroe’s analysis hinges on two pivotal factors:
Gauff’s Serve: Can she minimize double faults (she averages 4.2 per match) and maintain first-serve accuracy (currently 63%) under Swiatek’s relentless returning?
Swiatek’s Mentality: Will her recent struggles against power hitters like Aryna Sabalenka resurface, or will Paris reignite her trademark ruthlessness?
While Gauff’s athleticism and improved aggression make her a threat, McEnroe believes Swiatek’s experience in high-stakes Roland Garros battles—she’s 22-1 in semifinals and finals here—gives her the edge.
“Coco’s time will come, but Iga’s still the gatekeeper,” he concluded.
A Changing of the Guard?
McEnroe’s prediction underscores a generational tug-of-war. Coco Gauff, 21, represents tennis’ fearless new wave, while Iga Swiatek, 23, fights to retain her throne. With Aryna Sabalenka also looming as a title threat, the French Open could crown a familiar champion—or signal a seismic shift.
For now, McEnroe’s money stays on Swiatek. “Until someone consistently dethrones her here, she’s the bet,” he said. But as Gauff’s Madrid win proved, even dynasties face revolt.
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