Iga Swiatek faced a challenging third-round exit at the Australian Open, falling to Czech teenager Linda Noskova. The world No. 1 struggled against Noskova’s powerful serves and groundstrokes, prompting tennis experts like Mats Wilander to analyze Swiatek’s game plan.
Wilander suggests that Swiatek, known for her formidable forehand, may need to revisit her strategy, especially against heavy-hitters. He recommends embracing a more extreme grip on her forehand, similar to Rafael Nadal’s, to generate additional topspin. Wilander acknowledges the difficulty of out-hitting opponents with cleaner ball striking but emphasizes the need for Swiatek to adapt.
Despite Swiatek’s past success against players like Aryna Sabalenka, Wilander points out the evolving nature of their matchups, with Sabalenka’s improved serve posing a new challenge. Swiatek’s struggles against players like Elena Rybakina indicate a potential need for strategic adjustments.
Laura Robson, another tennis expert, echoes Wilander’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of Swiatek reconsidering her aggressive approach. Robson acknowledges the difficulty of matching the power displayed by opponents like Noskova and suggests exploring alternative strategies, such as stepping back behind the baseline.
While Swiatek is praised for her athleticism and perfectionist attitude, both Wilander and Robson agree that refining her approach against big hitters is crucial for future success on hard courts. The consensus is that Swiatek’s ability to adapt and find the right strategy will determine her performance against formidable opponents in upcoming tournaments.