Iga Swiatek has continued the trend of major upsets at Roland Garros after falling in the fourth round of the Grand Slam.
Swiatek is a four-time champion in Paris, but has just been knocked out of the tournament by Marta Kostyuk.
The Ukrainian, who is the 15th seed in the WTA draw at Roland Garros this year, defeated third seed Swiatek 7-5, 6-1.
It is a result that has caused both shock and confusion, with Tim Henman left particularly perplexed by the Pole’s failure to switch tactics when the match was getting away from her.
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Iga Swiatek shocks Tim Henman with Roland Garros exit
Former British number one Henman said live on TNT Sports: “The lack of recognition from Swiatek as to what works and what doesn’t.
“What doesn’t work is unforced errors. At every level of this sport it’s about not making mistakes.
“Admittedly, you’ve got to be able to hit the ball pretty hard and go close to the line, but Swiatek made probably 40 unforced errors and around 13 winners, that’s a huge differential.
“If you’re giving your opponent a 30-love start in every game, you’re going to be up against it, there never was a change of tactic to say ‘Okay, I’m going to stay in this rally, play with shape, ask my opponent to try and hit winners’.
“After that first set it snowballed so quickly. 7-5 6-1 is a hugely disappointing result for someone who has had so much success here.”
Swiatek and Kostyuk battled it out on court Philippe Chatrier for one hour and 39 minutes before the latter emerged victorious.
| Marta Kostyuk | Iga Swiatek | |
| 57.7% 45/78 | Total service points won | 41.4% 24/58 |
| 58.6% 34/58 | Total return points won | 42.3% 33/78 |
| 58.1% 79/136 | Total points won | 41.9% 57/136 |
Iga Swiatek accused of ‘stubbornness’ in Roland Garros loss
Henman certainly isn’t the only one to be left confused by Swiatek’s approach, with former player Anne Keothavong sharing a similar verdict.
“Yeah, I think on the outside, it was obvious, because everything was being rushed, everything was being forced,” she said.
“But I don’t know whether it’s just that stubborn… well, it is.
“It’s stubbornness about wanting to play a certain way, but you’ve got to accept the fact that it’s not working today, and you can’t always play your best tennis.
“So when you’re not playing your best tennis, you’ve got to find a way, and sometimes you’ve got to play ugly, but she just didn’t adapt, did she?”
The loss continues the trophy drought for WTA number three Swiatek, who remains without a title in the 2026 season.
In stark contrast, Kostyuk has lifted the trophies in Madrid and Rouen, and she now boasts a stunning 16-0 record on clay this season.
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