Iga Swiatek points out issue that was ‘terrible’ at the last two events on the WTA Tour before Indian Wells started

Iga Swiatek Calls Out ‘Terrible’ Issue at Recent WTA Events Before Indian Wells

Iga Swiatek has been in dominant form at Indian Wells, but before the tournament began, the world No. 1 voiced her frustration over an issue she found “terrible” at the last two WTA events.

Swiatek, who had a challenging Middle Eastern swing before heading to California, pointed out that the court conditions and scheduling at both the Qatar Open and Dubai Tennis Championships were far from ideal, making it difficult for players to perform at their best.

What Did Swiatek Say?

Speaking ahead of her Indian Wells title defense, Swiatek didn’t hold back when discussing the conditions at previous tournaments.

“Honestly, the conditions in Doha and Dubai were terrible in terms of wind and the balls we were using. It was really difficult to control anything on court,” Swiatek said.

The Qatar Open and Dubai Tennis Championships are known for fast conditions and unpredictable weather, with strong winds often affecting play. Additionally, ball changes in recent WTA tournaments have been a hot topic, with players struggling to adjust to the differences in weight and speed.

“It was tough to play in such conditions, and I know a lot of players felt the same way. Hopefully, Indian Wells will be better in that regard,” Swiatek added.

Swiatek’s Middle Eastern Struggles

Despite being a former two-time champion in Doha, Swiatek admitted that she did not feel comfortable on court. She managed to reach the semi-finals in both Qatar and Dubai, but her performances weren’t as dominant as usual.

She was eventually defeated in Dubai by Anna Kalinskaya, marking one of her most surprising losses of the season.

Focus on Indian Wells

Now back in Indian Wells, Swiatek has quickly adapted to the slower conditions and looks to reclaim the title she won in 2022 and 2024. With the calm desert air and high-bouncing courts more suited to her heavy topspin game, Swiatek has already looked in much better form compared to the previous tournaments.

As she continues her campaign, Swiatek will be hoping for less wind, better playing conditions, and another deep run in the tournament as she aims for her third Indian Wells title.