Iga Swiatek has an underrated strength which she even outperforms Aryna Sabalenka in

Follow us on Google Discover

Iga Swiatek actually has an advantage over world number one Aryna Sabalenka.

Swiatek is hoping to return to world number one this year, with Sabalenka now holding that position for the past 73 weeks.

However, the six-time Grand Slam champion has already faced some tough losses this year, including Swiatek being beaten by Maria Sakkari at the Qatar Open.

These losses have created a narrative around Swiatek, but it is not actually true.

There is a misconception surrounding Iga Swiatek’s mentality

Swiatek is already one of the best WTA players from the 21st century, as she already ranks 11th in the all-time list of women’s Grand Slam winners in the Open Era.

One of the narratives surrounding Swiatek is that she is a great frontrunner in matches, but struggles to come from behind in matches.

However, there is actually a statistic to disprove that, in which Swiatek leads compared to many of her rivals.

Where do you think she will be ranked?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Swiatek has won 73% of three set matches where she has had to come from a set down, and 39% of her matches overall after losing the first set.

This is greater than Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula, showcasing Swiatek’s mentality even in difficult positions in matches.

Swiatek is currently 10th in the race in the live race to the WTA Finals this year, and behind all of the four aforementioned players, but she is still one of the best players in terms of coming from a set down.

The Pole has won both of her three set matches after coming from a set down this year, and Swiatek has won 50% of all of her matches after dropping the first set.

Of all the top five in the WTA rankings right now, only Pegula has been better than Swiatek in terms of winning matches from a set down in 2026.

Who has won the most deciding sets in matches between Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka?

As well as leading Sabalenka in that statistic, Swiatek also leads their overall head-to-head 8-5.

Despite this, it is actually Sabalenka who has won more of their matches that have gone to three sets.

Sabalenka has won three of her five matches against Swiatek that have been played in deciding sets, meaning that the Belarusian has actually only contributed negatively to the world number two’s three set match statistic.

Both players are still competing at Indian Wells, where they are on track to reach the final.

Neither Sabalenka nor Swiatek have dropped a set yet at Indian Wells, but they will now play Victoria Mboko and Elina Svitolina in their respective quarterfinals.