Iga Świątek battles back at French Open after coaching split

Iga Świątek survived a dramatic four‑set battle against Elena Rybakina to extend her French Open winning streak, a match that highlighted both her on‑court tenacity and off‑court uncertainty following a recent split with coach Wim Fissette [1]. The Polish champion’s comments about feeling “bad” at the start of the match and her self‑critical assessment off the court underscore a broader question: can she rediscover the tennis she feels has never left her?

Key takeaways

• Świątek rallied from a set down to beat Rybakina 1‑6, 6‑3, 7‑5, saving 10 break points [1].
• The win marked her 25th consecutive main‑draw victory at Roland‑Garros, second only to Chris Evert’s Open‑Era record [1].
• After an early exit in Miami, Świątek announced she was parting ways with coach Wim Fissette [2].
• She plans to train at the Rafa Nadal Academy and may hire veteran Michael Joyce as a new coach [2].
• Świątek described her mental state as “overthinking” and “intense,” suggesting deeper psychological challenges [2].

A gritty French Open victory

Facing a former world No. 3 in the fourth round, Świątek fell behind 1‑6 in the opening set, a rarity for the defending champion [1]. Rybakina surged ahead early in the second set, winning the first eight points, but Świątek steadied her play, eventually taking the second set 6‑3 and edging the final set 7‑5 [1]. She saved ten break points throughout the match and even endured seven double faults, three of them in a single game [1]. After the win, Świątek said she had felt “pretty bad” at the start but still wanted to fight, emphasizing the importance of winning under pressure [1].

Coaching change and mental hurdles

Świątek’s on‑court resilience comes amid a significant off‑court shift. After an early defeat at the Miami Open, she announced the end of her partnership with long‑time coach Wim Fissette [2]. In the same discussion, she expressed harsh self‑criticism, noting that “tennis feels complicated in my head” and that she is an “overthinker” whose game has been “really intense” lately [2]. She plans to train at the Rafa Nadal Academy and is reportedly considering veteran Michael Joyce as a new coach, aiming for a “reset” before the clay season [2].

Why it matters

Świątek’s ability to overturn a deficit against a top opponent demonstrates that, despite coaching upheaval, she can still perform when stakes are highest. Her mental candidness and the search for a new coaching relationship highlight the psychological dimension of elite tennis, where confidence and routine are as crucial as technique. As she prepares for the quarterfinals against Elina Svitolina, her next steps—both on the court and in her support team—will shape her bid to defend the French Open title and could set a precedent for how top players manage mental health and coaching changes in high‑pressure environments [1][2].