Iga Swiatek has endured a difficult first three months of her 2026 season.
Swiatek recently parted ways with her coach, Wim Fissette, following an opening-round exit at the Miami Open to compatriot Magda Linette.
The Pole has failed to make it past the quarterfinals of any tour-level event so far this year, and has now seen her ranking drop to world number two, with Elena Rybakina leapfrogging her.
Who should be Iga Swiatek’s next coach?
Her second-round exit at the Miami Open was her worst result at a WTA 1000 event since the 2021 season.
Amid criticism of Swiatek‘s poor form, Serena Williams‘ former coach, Rick Macci, took to social media to remind everyone of her greatness.
Rick Macci comes to the defence of Iga Swiatek on social media
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Macci said: “Everybody forgets how much Iga has accomplished for her age and what she has done.
“Let’s back the Polish truck up and digest this. Iga age 24 / 6 slams. [Aryna] Sabalenka age 27 / 4 slams. [Elena] Rybakina age 26/ 2 slams. Coco [Gauff] age 22/ 2 slams.
“The Polish punisher 100% will win double-digit majors and find her way back to number one before it is all said and done. BANG!”
Where do you think she will be ranked?
Swiatek, still just 24 years of age, has clinched six Grand Slam titles in her career, the most recent of which was captured at the 2025 Wimbledon championships.
Her first major campaign of 2026 ended in the quarterfinals at the Australian Open, with a loss to Rybakina.
Iga Swiatek’s chance to bounce back during the clay season
After the conclusion of the Sunshine Double, the WTA Tour will get its clay swing underway, during which Swiatek has found plenty of success in the past.
Four of Swiatek’s Grand Slam crowns were captured at Roland Garros, three of which came consecutively.
Elsewhere, Swiatek triumphed at the Madrid Open back in 2024, and she is a three-time champion at the Italian Open.
With a new coach soon to be appointed, Swiatek will have the chance to start afresh on her preferred surface.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
