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Former WTA Stars Disagree with Iga Świątek Criticism, Call It ‘Unfair’
Iga Świątek, the current world No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion, has recently come under fire for her serving technique and perceived inconsistency under pressure. Some tennis analysts and former players have questioned whether her service game is strong enough to maintain her dominance on the WTA Tour. However, several former WTA stars have come to her defense, calling the criticism “unfair” and misguided.
Former world No. 2 Agnieszka Radwańska, Świątek’s compatriot, voiced her support during a recent interview. “Iga has already achieved so much at such a young age. Her serve may not be the fastest on tour, but it’s smart and effective. People forget she’s constantly evolving,” Radwańska said.
Similarly, 2013 Wimbledon finalist Sabine Lisicki chimed in, saying, “Criticizing Iga’s serve without acknowledging the rest of her game is short-sighted. Her footwork, mental strength, and shot variety are exceptional. She’s proven she can win on all surfaces.”
Świątek’s team has also addressed the criticism, pointing out that her service has improved significantly over the last two seasons, with stats showing better first-serve percentages and more aces per match.
The scrutiny appears to stem from Świątek’s recent early exit in Miami, where she struggled with her rhythm and consistency. However, former players argue that one loss shouldn’t overshadow her overall performance and growth.
“As athletes, we all have ups and downs,” Radwańska added. “The important thing is how you respond, and Iga always comes back stronger.”
With the clay season approaching — her favorite surface — Świątek has an opportunity to silence the critics once again and prove that her serve, and her overall game, are more than capable of withstanding the pressure at the top.