Iga Swiatek will be missing the Miami Open due to an injury and Mats Wilander thinks it might be a good thing for her tennis.
Swiatek admitted to rib pain after her Indian Wells exit explaining that it has been bothering her for a while. Her performances haven't been as sharp in Indian Wells as last year and the same injury proved a factor for Miami. She announced her withdrawal one day before the event and Wilander thinks it might be a really good thing as he revealed to Eurosport.
I think the explanation why Swiatek hasn't been winning as much this year as she did last year, it's because the players have figured out how to play her. I think it started with Pegula in the United Cup in Sydney just before the Australian Open. Of course, it was continued by Rybakina in the Australian Open and then again continued by Rybakina in Indian Wells. So I think that's the first thing.
Wilander feels like this will give her a chance to take a proper break after some tough events in the Gulf. It will also give her a decent chance of preparing well for the clay season where she generally plays her best tennis.
"And then the second thing, I'm glad that she's getting a time to take a break. I think it comes at a great time in a way - of course, nobody wants anybody to not feel 100% - but for her tennis, I think it might be a good thing.
And I think for her it would be a great time to step away, start practicing on a clay court, take her time and get back in it. Because really, right now what's important for her is to do well in Roland-Garros. Of course, winning matches before is important, but Roland-Garros is when she needs to walk on the court, feel like one of the favourites, because if she feels like it, she's going to be one of the favourites.
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