Jimmy Connors shares his theory over why Iga Swiatek has lost form and tells her what to do next

Jimmy Connors Analyzes Iga Swiatek’s Dip in Form and Offers Advice

Iga Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion, has struggled to replicate her dominant form in recent months. Her serve, in particular, has become a vulnerability, contributing to several unexpected losses.

Swiatek’s last three defeats have all come against teenage opponents, including a stunning upset by Alexandra Eala at the Miami Open. Some analysts believe her loss to Madison Keys at the Australian Open has significantly impacted her confidence—a sentiment echoed by tennis legend Jimmy Connors.

Jimmy Connors’ Perspective on Swiatek’s Struggles

Swiatek has shown visible frustration on the court, as Aryna Sabalenka extends her lead at the top of the WTA rankings. Sabalenka’s Miami Open triumph has further fueled speculation about Swiatek’s confidence and self-belief.

Speaking on the Advantage Connors podcast, the eight-time major champion offered insights into Swiatek’s recent struggles and provided advice on how she can regain her form.

“Iga has dropped off a bit from when she was dominating,” Connors observed. “I wonder if she has lost some confidence. Sabalenka has been racking up titles and attention—maybe that’s playing on Iga’s mind.”

He continued, “When I lost my top ranking to guys like [Bjorn] Borg, [Boris] Becker, or [Ivan] Lendl, my response was to double down. You have to work harder, push yourself, and do whatever it takes to get back on top.”

Connors also pointed out the significance of Swiatek’s losses to younger players: “Losing to Sabalenka is one thing. Losing to a teenager? That’s a different story.”

Can Swiatek Reclaim Her Dominance on Clay?

After a disappointing Sunshine Double, Swiatek has the opportunity to regain momentum on her favorite surface—clay. The four-time Roland Garros champion has not reached a final since winning the Paris major last year.

Swiatek was nearly unstoppable on clay in 2024, winning three titles and boasting a 26-2 record. One of her standout performances was a thrilling Madrid Open final against Sabalenka, which was later named WTA Match of the Year.

However, her dominance last season means she now faces the challenge of defending a significant portion of her ranking points. In contrast, Sabalenka has far fewer points to defend, making it difficult for Swiatek to close the ranking gap.

WTA Rankings Breakdown:

Swiatek’s clay court campaign kicks off at the Stuttgart Open on April 21. The Polish star has won the tournament twice, both times defeating Sabalenka in the final. A strong showing in Stuttgart could be the first step toward reclaiming her place at the top.