“The Serve Is So Bl**dy Important,” Iga Swiatek Receives Constructive Criticism From Serena Williams’ Former Coach After Stuttgart Heartbreak
A Curious Clay-Court Conundrum
World No. 2 Iga Swiatek has built her reputation on clay, boasting an 89% win rate and two Stuttgart titles. But once again, she couldn’t crack the Jelena Ostapenko code. In their sixth career meeting—this time at the Stuttgart Open quarterfinals—Ostapenko extended her perfect record against the Pole to 6-0 with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 win.
Despite the surface advantage and a solid 2025 season, Swiatek looked out of rhythm. One person who wasn’t surprised? Rennae Stubbs, Serena Williams’ former coach, who offered a blunt but constructive take.
“The Serve Is So Vulnerable”
Speaking on her podcast after the April 19 match, Stubbs zeroed in on what she sees as Swiatek’s Achilles’ heel: “The biggest issue for me when Iga plays her is the serve is so vulnerable.”
From the opening game, it was evident. Swiatek double-faulted twice at 0-1 and Ostapenko pounced, winning the first set with commanding returns and aggressive baseline play. She claimed 42 receiving points to Iga’s 32, setting the tone early.
Stubbs added, “The serve is so bl**** important, and Iga hits the same second serve every time. It’s that kick serve—right into Ostapenko’s backhand, which is her best shot. She’s deadly on the return.”
Despite a high first serve percentage (~90% for both), Ostapenko won 62% of her first serve points, showcasing how effective she was on key moments.
Where Can Iga Improve?
Stubbs suggested Swiatek needs more variety—not just on serve, but across her game. “She’s hitting the ball so hard and flat immediately. But there were times where I felt she could have done a drop shot, hit a different shot, and she chose not to,” she said.
While Swiatek is known for her powerful forehand, athleticism, and well-disguised drop shots, none of those tools seemed to disrupt Ostapenko’s rhythm. The Latvian converted 6 of 11 break points, compared to Iga’s 4 of 7.
Stubbs believes the key lies in movement: “Ostapenko’s not a great mover on clay. You’ve got to get her moving—especially into uncomfortable areas.”
Iga’s Own Take: “I Had My Chances”
Swiatek didn’t hide her frustration after the loss. In the press conference, she said, “Did I seem irritated today? It was a close match, and I had my chances. The other times we faced each other, I could barely do anything because she was playing all the shots. This time, I felt more in control at times, but I lost intensity in the third set—and that was fatal.”
With Madrid, Rome, and Roland Garros around the corner, pressure is mounting. Swiatek hasn’t lifted a trophy since the 2024 French Open, and her Stuttgart exit only adds urgency.
The Road Ahead
Swiatek returns to defend her Madrid title with a 13–2 record at the tournament. But Ostapenko, now a proven nemesis, could lie in wait. Can Iga finally find the answers, or is this rivalry her most frustrating hurdle?
What’s Your Take?
Can Iga Swiatek finally overcome Jelena Ostapenko’s dominance?
- Yes, with tactical adjustments
- No, Ostapenko has her number
- Maybe, if she improves her serve
- It’s all mental—she needs confidence
Share your thoughts and join the debate.
