French Open 2024: Jimmy Connors Explains How Iga Swiatek’s Title Defence Could Be Damaged Owing to Rome and Madrid Triumphs

Is continuous victory taking a toll on World No. 1 Iga Swiatek? With the Polish star having competed in and won two straight competitions leading up to the French Open, American tennis star Jimmy Connors speculates that the intense competition may have “worn out” her energy. He suspects that Swiatek might perform differently at Roland Garros if she gives it her all and wins back-to-back titles prior to the Grand Slam.

The Polish tennis star, who won her fourth WTA 1000 championship of the year in Rome, has achieved unprecedented success. She currently has the most ranking points of any woman in almost nine years as a result of this triumph, which has earned her the greatest ranking points of her career. But does it spell Grand Slam trouble?

Jimmy Connors fears decline in Iga Swiatek’s French Open performance

In a recent ‘Advantages Connors’ podcast, Brett and Jimmy Connors discussed the strong WTA competitors coming out of the Italian Open to the French Open. Jimmy Connors then put up a question about whether continuous participation and achievement can create a problem for Iga Swiatek in the Grand Slam event.

He said, “You know, she’s won but uh, two or three of the last events and uh, you know, that’s a lot of tennis to be played. Yeah. A lot of tennis and but you know, raising yourself in your game to that level, do you, you know, mentally and physically. Do you think, do you think she’s worn out? Or do you think she’s strong enough to be able to now go in and face the, you know, the French Open?”

However, his son, on the other hand, has a different opinion regarding how it might be Aryna Sabalenka, who might be tired of the way she has ended the Madrid and Italian Open runs, facing defeats in the finals against Swiatek both times. Along with that, he also emphasized that if the world number one has to finish a match, it’s known in just an hour of the game, as she likes to take command of her hands.

Subsequently, looking at the points that she has earned, Saba won’t be able to add any more points at the French Open, where she is the defending champion herself. But at the same time, the victory there could keep increasing her total before entering the grass-court season. Not only that but last year, Jimmy Connors also praised Swiatek for her amazing ability to move past the losses.

When Connor was impressed with Swiatek’s learning ability

Connors last year commended budding talent Iga Swiatek for her tenacity and willpower, appreciating her capacity to take setbacks and keep pushing herself to get better.  He said, “I like how she accepts her losses. If she doesn’t play well 1 week or loses in an event, she’s not afraid to continue to work & not get discouraged. To keep it up, come back, re-establish herself as the player she is, the best player.”

Despite obstacles, the world number one has persevered by staying focused and driven, improving her skills, and not allowing defeat to depress her. Not only did she make her place in the number one ranking, but at the same time, she has been consistent with keeping her ranking to herself for a good amount of time now. It will be interesting to see what the French Open brings for the Pole.