Coco Gauff says if she thinks Iga Swiatek’s performance on court has been negatively impacted by her doping case

Coco Gauff recently addressed the ongoing discussions surrounding Iga Swiatek’s doping case and whether it has affected the Polish player’s performance on the court. In a press conference ahead of the 2025 Australian Open, Gauff was asked if she believed Swiatek’s game had suffered due to the stress and scrutiny of the doping allegations.

Gauff, who has faced Swiatek several times in high-stakes matches, was quick to defend her fellow competitor. “I don’t think her performance has been negatively impacted at all,” Gauff stated. “If anything, Iga is one of the most mentally strong players out there. She’s been dealing with a lot off the court, but when she steps on the court, she always brings her best.”

The American star praised Swiatek’s resilience, highlighting how she continues to maintain a high level of play despite the distractions surrounding her. “It’s tough to be under that kind of pressure, but I think she’s handling it really well. I don’t think anyone can say her results have dipped because of it. She’s still winning, and that says a lot about her focus and determination.”

Gauff’s comments reflect the respect and admiration she has for Swiatek, especially given how both players are part of a younger generation of stars on the WTA Tour. She also emphasized that speculation surrounding the doping case shouldn’t take away from Swiatek’s hard-earned achievements.

While the doping case has brought increased attention to Swiatek’s off-court situation, Gauff’s remarks suggest that her fellow competitor’s game remains as formidable as ever, with little evidence to suggest any decline in performance due to the external challenges she’s faced.