Iga Swiatek’s disastrous start to the season peaked with a second round defeat to Magda Linette in Miami.
The Pole has dropped out of the top two for the first time in years due to a difficult run in the first three months of the season.
Swiatek cut an emotional figure in Miami after losing to Linette, which continued her trophy-less start to 2026.
The world number three has been defended by another Polish icon in the form of Agnieszka Radwanska, who appealed to fans after Swiatek’s defeat.
Agnieszka Radwanska defends Iga Swiatek after Miami loss
Speaking on Polish TV’s coverage of the Miami Open, Radwanska produced a staunch defence of Swiatek following her second round loss in Miami.
The former world number two said: “As someone who has been in that place, right there on the court—I absolutely understand it.
Do you think Iga Swiatek will win a Grand Slam this season?
“I appeal to give her some peace, not to hate every time she loses a match. It’s not the end of the world. It’s sports; there will always be those tougher moments. It’s a matter of how we bounce back from them.”
Swiatek holds a 66.67% win rate so far this year, having already suffered six defeats without winning a tournament.
The Pole’s poor form has seen her crash out at the quarter-finals or earlier in her first six tournaments, including the Australian Open, Indian Wells, and now Miami.
Swiatek now has the perfect chance to turn her season around during the European clay season, which many consider to be her best surface.
How Iga Swiatek’s season compares to her start to 2025
Swiatek’s form is worrying, but the Pole did not win a single tournament between the start of 2025 and last year’s Miami Open either.
However, Swiatek notched up several more wins in the first three months of 2025 compared to this season.
Aryna Sabalenka or Iga Swiatek… who do you prefer? 🤔
By the end of the Miami Open, Swiatek had already won 21 times, compared to her 12 victories this season.
That included three semi-final appearances at the Australian Open, the Qatar Open, and Indian Wells, a stage she has not yet reached on the WTA Tour.
Swiatek also gained WTA ranking points in every tournament up until the Miami Open at the start of season, which cannot be said for this year.
The Pole just lost another 150 ranking points after losing to Linette at the Miami Open.
