Iga Swiatek’s draw just keeps getting harder ahead of Roland Garros this year.
Swiatek one of the favorites for Roland Garros this year, particularly as she is a four-time champion at the Paris major.
However, the Pole’s chances of winning her fifth Roland Garros title were dealt a blow after the draw confirmed that Swiatek could play Jelena Ostapenko, who she has lost all six previous matches against, in the third round.
Ostapenko is not the only threat to Swiatek in her half of the draw, and could now play another Grand Slam champion even before the third round.
Iga Swiatek could play Sloane Stephens in the second round at Roland Garros
The qualifying draw at Roland Garros concluded yesterday, and they have now all been placed into their respective spots.
This has directly impacted Swiatek, who could now play former US Open champion Sloane Stephens in the second round.
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Stephens has struggled for both form and fitness over the past year and was therefore only able to enter the qualifying draw, winning all three of her matches to return to the Roland Garros main draw.
As well as being a former US Open champion, Stephens is also a former Roland Garros finalist, having reached the championship match at the Paris major in 2018.
Stephens will first need to overcome Sara Bejlek if she is to reach the second round, while Swiatek has to play Australian teenager Emerson Jones.
This would set up a fourth meeting between the two players, and first on clay, with Swiatek leading the head-to-head against Stephens 3-0.
Stephens is one of many big names in Swiatek’s half of the draw, which also includes Ostapenko, Marta Kostyuk, Elina Svitolina and Elena Rybakina.
Only three players have ever beaten Iga Swiatek at Roland Garros
Although Swiatek’s draw for Roland Garros this year is far from ideal, it is worth remembering just how strong her record is at the clay court major.
In her 43 previous matches at Roland Garros, Swiatek has only lost three matches, with a 93% winning percentage at the tournament.
The only three players who have beaten Swiatek at Roland Garros are Simona Halep (2019), Maria Sakkari (2021), and Aryna Sabalenka (2025).
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Swiatek will be hoping that no names join this list this year, as she bids to win her fifth Roland Garros title to move to within two titles of Chris Evert’s all-time record.
The Pole will play her first match at Roland Garros this year against the aforementioned Jones on Monday, May 25.
