Laura Robson has been discussing Iga Swiatek’s chances at this year’s Roland Garros, on the eve of the event.
The Polish superstar is a four-time champion in Paris, and regarded by many as the best female clay-court player of her generation.
However, over the past year or so, her fear factor has certainly waned.
Whilst she has picked up a Wimbledon title during this period, Iga Swiatek’s underperformance on clay remains inexplicable despite signs of life in recent weeks.
It is that which has spurred Robson to back the 24-year-old to thrive at Roland Garros this year.
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Speaking to Tennis365, she insisted: “I think Iga is a contender.”
Robson then added: “She played really well in Rome, especially against Jessica Pegula. She didn’t do a huge amount wrong when she lost to Svitolina in a topsy-turvy match in what were really tough conditions. That was the best I’ve seen her play on clay this season.
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“So she is definitely building towards the right brand of tennis heading into Roland Garros, but this is one of those tournaments when the conditions matter so much.”
There was a key reason that Robson was particularly confident for Swiatek, having consulted the weather forecast.
This led her to claim: “I just looked at the weather forecast for next week and it is going to be very hot. The courts are going to be very lively and so much faster. That is going to open up so many doors for players, and especially Iga, if she can get her forehand firing.
“She’s lost confidence a little over the last 12 months. There have been lots of topsy-turvy matches, a coaching change, and it has not been a settled period, and you can tell that she’s still figuring out the new things she’s trying out there.
“In general, it looks like she is moving in the right direction, but it is fair to say some of the aura she had has slipped a little.”
Despite this apparent boost, it could be argued that Swiatek’s chances at Roland Garros have taken a hit with what has just happened to her draw.
Iga Swiatek explains why she feels different to last year
Whilst she did make it to the semi-finals here last year, it still marked a disappointing clay-court campaign for the six-time major champion.
Fortunately, speaking in her recent press conference, she insisted that this year will be different.
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Asked to compare how she is feeling now to how she did on the eve of last year’s Roland Garros, Swiatek admitted: “Last year my tournament in Rome was like a really cold shower.
“I felt terrible on court there, so for sure this year, after a couple of good matches, there is a more positive vibe. It’s good to have some really solid matches behind you and start the tournament with that feeling. But every year and every tournament is a different story.”
