Iga Swiatek hasn't exactly had the roaring start to 2026 that fans expected, especially after her breakthrough 2025 season that saw her capture a first Wimbledon title. Instead, the Polish star has been battling inconsistency, with several early exits at WTA events sparking questions about her form.
That rough patch led Swiatek to part ways with coach Wim Fissette and bring in Francisco Roig to help steady the ship. So far, though, the results haven't turned around dramatically. A recent illness during the Madrid Open only added to the frustration, contributing to her third-round exit there.
But don't count her out at Roland Garros just yet. Former ATP star John Isner recently weighed in on Swiatek's chances at the French Open, and he's not hitting the panic button. Speaking on the Nothing Major podcast, Isner pointed to her comfort on clay as a key factor.
"If she can get off to a good start and win a couple of matches—maybe get through a tough early test—she could start feeling more comfortable in a place where she's extremely comfortable," Isner explained. "I'm not going to pin her hopes at Roland Garros all on her Rome result."
That's good news for Swiatek, who is seeded fourth in Rome this week. She's already earned a first-round bye and will face either Caty McNally or Daria Kasatkina in the second round. A potential third-round meeting with 28th seed Emma Navarro or Elisabetta Cocciaretto awaits if she advances.
The Italian Open also offers a valuable ranking opportunity. With only 65 points to defend after an early exit to Danielle Collins last year, Swiatek has plenty of room to climb. If everything clicks, she could pick up as many as 935 additional ranking points this week—a boost that would set her up nicely heading into Roland Garros.
For tennis fans, this week in Rome is shaping up as a key moment for Swiatek. Can she shake off the early-season struggles and rediscover the dominant form that made her a four-time Grand Slam champion? Isner seems to think so. And if there's one surface where she's proven she can turn things around, it's the red clay of Paris.