Arnold tragedy : it hasn’t really happened in the last year or two………
Iga Swiatek needs a different set of eyes in order to gain the improvement she needs to become an all conquering force on all surfaces is the view of Eurosport expert and former player, Barbara Schett.
Swiatek won a fourth French Open title earlier this year. But for a player of her calibre, she has struggled at times on other surfaces. She exited Wimbledon and the US Open early towards the end of the year and had to settle for bronze at the Olympic Games.She has now parted ways with Tomasz Wiktorowski after three years together and as a result won’t play Wuhan this week either and a total reset is needed according to Schett after in her mind a disappointing two years away from Paris.
This is all despite Swiatek being World No.1 and winning a lot of titles but at Grand Slams, it has not clicked really outside of the clay court which she is expected to win anyway.Iga Swiatek might be No. 1 in the world, [but] she still wants to develop her game outside of clay, [for example] on grass and hard,” Schett said. “Let’s face it, it hasn’t really happened in the last year or two.
“She is looking for something different; an outside look, because at this level every percentage counts.
“I am not surprised she is searching for somebody from abroad and not from Poland. She needs a different pair of eyes and different stimulations. I was really disappointed with the way she played at Wimbledon and at the US Open, where she was so one-dimensional and could not adjust tacticallyShe was going for it but not really seeking solutions. She definitely can develop her game even more and learn when to pull back and when to go for it.”Iga Swiatek’s journey as a professional tennis player has been marked by incredible achievements, notably her dominance on clay, including a remarkable fourth French Open title earlier this year. However, her struggles on other surfaces—particularly grass and hard courts—have raised questions about her ability to replicate her clay-court success in varied conditions. Despite holding the World No. 1 ranking and accumulating numerous titles, her early exits at Wimbledon and the US Open, along with a bronze medal at the Olympic Games, suggest that there’s a gap in her overall performance that needs to be addressed.
Eurosport expert and former player Barbara Schett has voiced her concerns regarding Swiatek’s recent trajectory, emphasizing the need for a fresh perspective to help the Polish star unlock her potential on all surfaces. Schett believes that Swiatek’s recent decision to part ways with her coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, after three years together, signals a critical moment in her career. This change comes at a time when Swiatek is looking to recalibrate her approach and enhance her game beyond clay courts.
While it’s evident that Swiatek has the talent and skills to compete at the highest levels, Schett notes that she has been somewhat one-dimensional in her strategies during important matches. “I was really disappointed with the way she played at Wimbledon and at the US Open,” Schett stated. “She was so one-dimensional and could not adjust tactically.” This lack of adaptability became glaringly apparent, as Swiatek often resorted to aggressive play without considering alternative strategies that could exploit her opponents’ weaknesses.
The desire for an “outside look” is crucial in today’s highly competitive environment, where every percentage point can make a significant difference in a player’s success. Schett argues that Swiatek could benefit from engaging a coach from abroad, someone who can offer new insights and strategies that may not be present in her current training regimen. “She needs a different pair of eyes and different stimulations,” Schett said, highlighting the importance of innovative coaching approaches.
A major part of Swiatek’s challenge lies in her need to develop a more versatile game. While her powerful baseline play and mental fortitude have won her numerous matches on clay, translating that success to grass and hard courts requires a more nuanced understanding of each surface’s unique demands. For instance, the quicker pace and lower bounce of grass courts require a different serving strategy and adaptability at the net, areas where Swiatek has historically been less effective.
As she embarks on this journey of self-improvement, it is essential for Swiatek to reflect on her past performances and identify specific areas for growth. This could involve honing her serve to gain more free points, improving her net play to finish points more efficiently, or developing a more varied shot selection to keep opponents guessing. Schett believes that with the right guidance, Swiatek has the potential to enhance her decision-making on court, learning when to be aggressive and when to play more conservatively.
Moreover, it’s crucial for Swiatek to cultivate a mindset that embraces adaptability and resilience. The pressures of maintaining the World No. 1 ranking can be daunting, and she must navigate the expectations that come with it. Finding the right support system—whether that’s a new coach, a sports psychologist, or a team of advisors—will be instrumental in her quest to become a more well-rounded player.
The upcoming off-season could be an ideal time for Swiatek to implement these changes and recalibrate her approach. While she has decided not to participate in the Wuhan tournament, this break could provide her with the opportunity to reflect on her performance over the past year and to establish a strategic plan moving forward. A total reset, as Schett suggests, may be just what she needs to reclaim her dominance across all surfaces.
In conclusion, Iga Swiatek stands at a crossroads in her career. Despite her status as World No. 1 and her impressive achievements, the challenges she faces on grass and hard courts highlight the need for evolution in her game. With the right guidance and a commitment to broadening her skills, Swiatek can aspire to become not only a clay-court specialist but a formidable force in tennis on any surface. The journey ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, but with her talent and determination, the potential for greatness remains within reach.