Martina Navratilova says Iga Swiatek needs to learn how to “manage her emotions” following a viral incident with a ball kid in Indian Wells
Iga Swiatek's title drought continued this season after she failed to defend the Qatar Open and the Indian Wells title.
Follow Us
Iga Swiatek and Martina Navratilova (X/Fox News)
Iga Swiatek’s title drought continued in Indian Wells as she failed to defend her second consecutive title this season. The former World No.1 was recently criticized after swiping at a ball thrown to her by a ballboy during her semifinal loss in the desert. This has led tennis legend Martina Navratilova to share a word of advice to the struggling French Open champion.
Swiatek failed to defend the Qatar Open after losing to Jelena Ostapenko in the semifinals. At Indian Wells, it was certain that she had a good shot at defending the title after failing to drop a set until the semifinals. Against Mirra Andreeva in the semifinals, the World No.2 succumbed to a disappointing defeat.
During the match, Swiatek exploded with emotions as she swiped angrily at a ball thrown at her by a ball boy. On Monday (March 17), she responded to the incident with a lengthy apology after receiving heavy criticism on social media.
However, Martina Navratilova, who understands the frustration players go through, revealed in an interview that Swiatek needs to manage her emotions better. The 68-year-old added that the former World No.1 seems to be struggling with confidence.
She showed moments of frustration and directed some of it toward her team. While it’s unclear what was being said, she’ll need to manage those emotions better, as she can be highly agitated at times. She seems to be struggling with confidence, which can lead to frustration when things don’t go her way. Her game is still there, but maintaining a positive mindset will be key. But let’s not forget, she has been the most successful player overall for the past few years and has won this event.
Martina Navratilova said via WTA
Swiatek has not won any title since winning the 2024 French Open. The Polish star has had a frustrating couple of months, as she’s still dealing with the emotional impact of her one-month doping ban after she tested positive for trimetazidine in August.
Martina Navratilova says Aryna Sabalenka must reset after second consecutive final loss
Martina Navratilova was asked about the chances of Aryna Sabalenka winning the Miami Open after losing in her second final of the season. The Belarusian had lost to Madison Keys in the final of the Australian Open in January and recently to Mirra Andreeva in the Indian Wells final. Navratilova said the world No.1 will need to reset and go back to winning matches.
She needs to do a reset on how she handles the kind of defensive pressure she got from Andreeva. Not try to hit through people, but work her way into the winning situation — she was missing too much. It’s going back to the patience she developed on the way to No. 1 in the first place.
Martina Navratilova said
Sabalenka already has one title to her name this season which came at the Brisbane International in January. She will hope to win the Miami Open despite the fact players who reach the final of Indian Wells suffer from fatigue in the Florida-based tournament.
Iga Swiatek faces a tough draw at the 2025 Miami Open
Iga Swiatek has a major hurdle to cross if she has to win the Miami Open. The 2022 champion knows how to play in this tournament. She exited the event in the fourth round last year, which means she has a chance to earn some big ranking points. Swiatek will likely open her campaign against Caroline Garcia in the second round.
After that, she will then possibly face Karolina Muchova in the fourth round which is going to be her first major test. Swiatek would then likely play the 27th seed Elise Martens in the quarterfinals before Madison Keys in the semifinals, which will be a very tricky match for the World No.2.
Stay Updated!
/techfirstnow/media/agency_attachments/kATjCXskQdJKkXN0OuqW.png)