Iga Swiatek Responds to Critics Questioning WTA Consistency Amid Wimbledon Upsets
In the midst of a turbulent Wimbledon tournament that has seen several top-seeded WTA players suffer early exits, World No. 1 Iga Swiatek has stepped up to defend the strength and consistency of the women’s tour. With heavyweights like Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina falling earlier than expected, questions have reemerged about the reliability of WTA stars on the sport’s biggest stages—especially at Grand Slams.
Swiatek, who has advanced to the third round after a challenging 5–7, 6–2, 6–1 comeback win over American Caty McNally, addressed these criticisms head-on in her post-match press conference.
“People love to compare the WTA to the past or to the ATP, but they forget how competitive the women’s game is right now,” Swiatek said. “Just because the matches are tough and there are upsets doesn’t mean the top players are inconsistent—it means the depth is strong.”
A Turbulent Draw
This year’s Wimbledon has delivered its fair share of surprises. Former champions and recent finalists have been ousted in the first and second rounds, sending shockwaves through the draw. Fans and pundits alike have reignited the ongoing debate about whether the WTA lacks dominant figures who consistently go deep in tournaments.
But Swiatek believes this narrative overlooks key factors—particularly the growing parity across the women’s game.
“It’s not a lack of consistency,” she explained. “It’s that the margins are small and every opponent is dangerous, especially on grass. Every surface plays differently, and it takes time to adjust.”
Indeed, grass remains Swiatek’s least preferred surface. Despite being a four-time Grand Slam champion (including three French Opens and one US Open), she has never reached the Wimbledon final. Her game, known for heavy topspin and baseline dominance, is better suited for clay and hard courts. However, she has been steadily improving her grass-court strategy and mental toughness.
Backing the WTA’s Elite
Swiatek also highlighted how top WTA players—herself, Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina—have been remarkably consistent overall, frequently making the latter stages of Grand Slams and WTA 1000 events.
“Look at the last two years,” she said. “We’ve all been in finals, in semis, in the biggest matches. One bad day doesn’t erase that.”
The Polish star emphasized that expectations for perfection are often unrealistic and unevenly applied to the women’s tour. While the ATP Big Three—Federer, Nadal, Djokovic—set a historical standard of dominance, Swiatek argues that the women’s game should be appreciated for its competitiveness and unpredictability.
“We’re not trying to copy anyone’s legacy. We’re building our own.”
Looking Ahead
Swiatek’s response comes as she prepares for a high-stakes third-round match against Danielle Collins, the fiery American who famously defeated her earlier this year in Rome. That loss adds extra tension to the Wimbledon clash, with Swiatek eager to prove her grass-court evolution.
“I’ve learned to play more aggressively on grass,” she said. “You can’t hesitate on this surface. I’m adapting and growing every year.”
As she marches forward at the All England Club, Swiatek remains not only the tournament’s top seed but also one of the most vocal and thoughtful leaders on tour. Her defense of her peers is not just about rebutting criticism—it’s a rallying cry for respect for the depth, pressure, and progress of modern women’s tennis.
