22-time Grand Slam winner has already noticed something ‘fascinating’ about Iga Swiatek at the French Open this year

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Iga Swiatek extended her French Open winning run with a dominant performance in the second round.

The three-time defending champion began her 2025 campaign with a convincing win in her opening match when Swiatek beat Rebecca Sramkova, 6-3, 6-3.

Producing an even more dominant display in round two, Swiatek took down Emma Raducanu, 6-1, 6-2.

Swiatek’s win over Raducanu was her 23rd without defeat at the French Open, a run that extends back to the beginning of the 2022 tournament.

After watching her opening two matches, Australian tennis legend Todd Woodbridge claimed he has noticed something ‘fascinating’ about the Polish WTA star in Paris.

Todd Woodbridge says it’s ‘fascinating’ watching Iga Swiatek transform at the French Open

Speaking on the Australian Open YouTube channel, 22-time Grand Slam doubles champion Woodbridge gave his verdict on how Swiatek will be perceived should she advance to the quarterfinals.

“I guess the thing is, if Iga [Swiatek] does get through whoever she plays there [4R], then she becomes a favorite, because that is a key moment in building confidence,” he said.

Woodbridge then shared what he’s seen from Swiatek in Paris, which is ‘fascinating’.

“Watching her these first couple of days, it’s fascinating watching a player come back to a place they love. You just get there and go, this is my place.

“I felt like that going into Wimbledon, even if I hadn’t been playing well, you just soak it up, you feel good, all of these great matches, moments, and points seem to relive in your mind. 

“I feel like I’ve sensed that within her body language when she’s got into that tournament, so that round is going to define what we might see in the rest of the tournament.”

Swiatek is scheduled to play Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian in round three, but could be faced with a tough test against either Jelena Ostapenko or Elena Rybakina in the last 16.

Former US Open champion Sam Stosur said whether she believes Swiatek would be considered the favorite for a potential fourth-round clash with Ostapenko.

“Especially if it’s [Jelena] Ostapenko. I probably wouldn’t put her as the favorite,” said Stosur.

“I remember sometime last year talking about, let’s see what happens on clay. What would happen with that result? Well, Ostapenko just beat her the last time they played on clay, the only time they played on clay.

“So there’s obviously something about that matchup that Iga does not like and Jelena does.

“If it does end up being that, it’ll be a very interesting prospect to see who can do it at Roland Garros.”

Ostapenko leads the head-to-head with Swiatek 6-0 and has already beaten her twice in 2025.

Stosur also pointed out the problems Rybakina could pose to Swiatek should they face off in the fourth round.

“If it’s [Elena] Rybakina, her ball coming through the court, if the conditions are right for Rybakina that’s going to be another tough one,” she said.

“A big, big test for Iga coming up.”

Rybakina won her first title of the year in Strasbourg last time out, as Stosur now gives her verdict on the effectiveness of playing a warm-up tournament ahead of the French Open.

“Very similar conditions, the centre court there is beautiful to play on. If it’s raining in Paris, it’s probably raining in Strasbourg,” she said.

“It’s just a nice easy week to guide yourself into a Grand Slam. 

“Rybakina’s form this year also hasn’t been outstanding by her standard or level, so to win a title coming into a Grand Slam is always going to boost that confidence and that feeling of ‘Yes, I’m feeling good, feeling confident’, she’s going to be riding high.”

Who is Iga Swiatek more likely to play in the fourth round – Elena Rybakina or Jelena Ostapenko?

Stosur clearly outlined just how dangerous Rybakina and Ostapenko could prove to be for Swiatek, but who is the Pole most likely to come up against?

It’s Rybakina who leads their head-to-head 3-2, winning their previous three matches on tour.

Rybakina also beat Ostapenko in their sole clay-court meeting, at the Italian Open in 2023, 6-2, 6-4.

It looks as if Rybakina has the edge, although you certainly wouldn’t want to bet against Ostapenko.

Ostapenko and Rybakina will battle it out for a place in the fourth round on Friday, May 30.