‘Iga Versus The Field’: Navratilova Picks Swiatek For Roland Garros
WTAThursday, 25 May 2023 at 13:30
Updated at Tuesday, 17 June 2025 at 11:38
Former WTA player Martina Navratilova still has Iga Swiatek ahead of the rest of the field at Roland Garros, even with shaky play this year.
There is very little doubt in the tennis community that Iga Swiatek is among the best players in the world. Her level this year has been spectacular at times, but the key words are "at times." Overall, she's been challenged more than last year and beaten as well.
Both Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka have outplayed and beaten her this year. Even if she's not worried about it, Swiatek could lose her World No. 1 ranking after Roland Garros.
Her consistency hasn't been what it used to be last year, and her points total dropped quite a bit since the start of the year. Throw in some injury concerns before the event, and you have a very shaky claim to the favorite mantle.
"It all hinges on her health. From what I’m hearing, the [thigh] injury is not that bad. If she’s 100 percent healthy, then she’s the odds-on favourite. It’s Iga versus the field. If she’s not, then it’s wide open."
There is a lot of unknown ahead of the clay-court Slam, but Navratilova is clear about her thoughts. If Swiatek is fully healthy, then she's the favourite for the event, simply due to being a two-time champion who has proven that she's Grand Slam-winning material.
"And Sabalenka and Rybakina, they would be the favourites to win. No doubt about it, the way they’ve played on the clay. All those players should be pretty confident coming in, with Swiatek having the most if her body is 100 percent. I mean, we could have a surprising winner, but chances are it will be one of the three."
Many others, like Tim Henman, also consider Swiatek the favorite, even with the uncertainty right now. The draw could be another factor that decides her chances.
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