Iga Swiatek's recent struggles have caught the attention of former tennis legend Martina Navratilova, who believes the two-time Grand Slam champion must maintain composure as she approaches the Miami Open. Swiatek, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, has not lifted a trophy since successfully defending her French Open title in June 2024, and has faced difficulties reaching finals since that glorious victory.
Following her semifinal loss at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, in early March 2025, Swiatek found herself at the center of controversy after nearly hitting a ball boy in a moment of frustration. During the match against Mirra Andreeva, Swiatek swatted a ball tossed at her, which bounced into the crowd and received jeers from spectators.
In an effort to address the backlash, Swiatek took to Instagram on March 17, explaining how the incident affected her. "I expressed frustration in a way I’m not proud of. My intention was never to aim the ball at anyone but merely to release my frustration by bouncing it on the ground," she shared with her fans. Despite her immediate apology to the ball boy, the criticism continued, indicating a growing scrutiny of her behavior on and off the court.
Navratilova, a winner of 59 Grand Slams in her illustrious career, weighed in on Swiatek's situation, stating that the star "should be concerned" about her lack of recent titles and the visible frustration she has displayed during matches. "She seems to be struggling with confidence, which can lead to frustration when things don’t go her way. Her game is still there, but maintaining a positive mindset will be key to regaining her form," Navratilova remarked.
Swiatek openly acknowledged the impact of her recent doping scandal, where she tested positive for trimetazidine, a banned substance, back in August 2024. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted her explanation that the positive result was unintentional, stemming from contamination in a non-prescription melatonin she was taking for jet lag and sleep issues. The aftermath left her with a one-month suspension, causing her to miss several significant tournaments.
Concerned with the "constant judgement" she faces, Swiatek expressed her frustration with the double standards she perceives in fan reactions. She explained that whether she shows less or more emotion, she is criticized either way: "When I’m highly focused and don’t show many emotions on court, I’m called a robot, my attitude labelled as inhuman. Now that I’m more expressive, showing feelings or struggling internally, I’m suddenly labeled immature or hysterical. That’s not a healthy standard—especially considering that just six months ago, I felt my career was hanging by a thread, spent three weeks crying daily, and didn’t want to step on the court,” she wrote.
Swiatek's next challenge awaits in Miami, where she earned her first title at this tournament in 2022. The draw doesn't look easy, though; she will first face Caroline Garcia, a tough competitor. If she advances, she may meet Karolina Muchova in the round of 16 and potentially face Madison Keys in the quarterfinals. Swiatek could find herself against Jessica Pegula in the semifinals, leading up to a possible showdown with Aryna Sabalenka in the finals.
As the Miami Open approaches, Navratilova remains optimistic about Swiatek's long-term potential. "Let’s not forget, she has been the most successful player overall for the past few years," she added, highlighting Swiatek's remarkable achievements leading up to her recent slump.
The atmosphere surrounding Swiatek in Miami will be crucial as she seeks to restore her confidence and composure while managing external expectations. The coming days could prove pivotal in determining whether she can regain her title-winning form or continue to grapple with the pressures of elite competition.
In a sport where emotions often fluctuate drastically, Swiatek's journey showcases the pressures faced by athletes in the public eye. As she attempts to navigate this challenging period, her supporters hope for a swift return to form and success on the court.
