Reigning French Open champion Iga Swiatek has been dealt a crushing blow just days before her title defense at Roland Garros. The Polish star, who has dominated clay courts for three consecutive years, is enduring her worst season since 2022—winless in 2025 and struggling to recapture the form that made her untouchable. Now, a fresh setback threatens to derail her quest for a historic fourth straight Paris crown, casting doubt on her ability to extend one of tennis’ most remarkable dynasties.
Iga Swiatek plummets to No. 5 ahead of Roland Garros
The latest WTA rankings have delivered a gut punch to Swiatek’s campaign, dropping her three spots to World No. 5—her lowest position since 2021. This collapse stems from her inability to defend points during the clay swing, including early exits in Stuttgart, Madrid, and Rome. Italian Open champion Jasmine Paolini (now No. 4) and finalist Coco Gauff (No. 2) leapfrogged her, while Jessica Pegula solidified her hold on No. 3.
For Swiatek, the timing couldn’t be worse. As the fifth seed at Roland Garros, she faces a brutal draw, potentially meeting top rivals like Aryna Sabalenka or Elena Rybakina as early as the quarterfinals—a far cry from her previous top-seeded dominance.
A season of unraveling: Scandals, slumps, and stumbles
Iga Swiatek’s freefall isn’t just about rankings. Since lifting her third French Open trophy in June 2024, she’s failed to reach a single final—a shocking drought for a player once dubbed the “Queen of Clay.” Off-court turmoil has compounded her struggles:
Doping Scandal Fallout: A provisional suspension in late 2024, later overturned, disrupted her rhythm and training.
Coaching Carousel: A mid-season split with longtime mentor Tomasz Wiktorowski left her without a steady tactical guide.
Mental Fatigue: Grinding through three straight Roland Garros wins has taken a psychological toll.
Her third-round loss to Danielle Collins in Rome—where she won just five games—highlighted her vulnerability. “I’m not where I want to be,” Swiatek admitted post-match, though she vowed to “fight harder” in Paris.
Swiatek’s early Paris gambit
In a rare move, Iga Swiatek arrived in Paris two weeks early, practicing relentlessly on Philippe Chatrier’s clay. Roland Garros’ social media team shared clips of her grueling sessions, signaling her urgency. Historically, her success here (4 titles in 5 years) has papered over cracks—but 2025 feels different.
“She’s not the favorite anymore,” noted tennis analyst Pam Shriver. “The aura of invincibility is gone.”
Why this French Open matters more than ever
Swiatek’s legacy hangs in the balance. A fourth straight title would tie Monica Seles’ Open Era record, cementing her as a clay-court legend. But another early exit could trigger a career inflection point.
Key Challenges:
Tougher Draw: Lower seeding means facing top-10 opponents earlier.
Confidence Crisis: Without a title in 11 months, doubts linger.
Rising Rivals: Gauff, Sabalenka, and Paolini now believe they can dethrone her.
Iga Swiatek’s Roland Garros journey was once a coronation. Now, it’s a redemption arc. The rankings drop, the scandals, and the slump have reshaped her narrative—from unstoppable force to underdog. But if history teaches us anything, it’s to never count out a champion on her favorite stage. As the clay settles in Paris, one question looms: Can Swiatek rewrite her story one last time?