Iga Swiatek’s 2026 campaign has been tumultuous to say the least.
The Pole has struggled for consistency throughout the season amid coaching changes and injury concerns.
Swiatek’s recent woes were compounded earlier this week as she was forced to withdraw from the Ningbo Open; meaning she could no longer qualify for the WTA Finals.
Moreover, Swiatek ended her 2026 campaign.
“This has been one of the most demanding seasons of my career, with a lot of challenges, changes and lessons along the way,” the Polish star said on social media.
Rennae Stubbs, Serena Williams’ coach and a former world number one in doubles, has offered some advice to the six-time major champion as she searches for fitness and form on the WTA Tour.
Rennae Stubbs says Iga Swiatek needs to learn to play more ‘feel shots’
“I’d like to see her [Swiatek] implement a drop shot into her game, she used to do that when she was a young junior. I’d like to see her hit a few more high balls,” the 10-time Grand Slam champion stated on The Rennae Stubbs Podcast.
“I would like her to know that she can change the pace of her ball more. Even Jess Pegula hits a flat ball, but she will throw in a moon ball every now and again. Jess will throw in a slice forehand or backhand.
“You don’t see Iga hitting any slice backhands every once in a blue moon and there are certain shots where Iga has a hard time with.
“That is in the service line area, where her grip is a real problem.
“She has not learned to play feel shots and that is a big deal in tennis. [Maja] Chwalinska is beautiful in that. Throws in some junk, throws in a high ball. You have to be able to do that.
“Novak Djokovic is the perfect example. He will change the pace and hit a high ball every now and again.
“You have to be able to go to game plan B, C, D or E. And if you are game plan A, like Sabalenka’s, is not working, you are going to lose.”
As mentioned already, it has been a season of major highs and disappointing lows for the former world number one.
The Polish superstar struggled during the first third of the campaign, leading her to part ways with coach Wim Fissette and hire Emma Raducanu’s former mentor, Francisco Roig.
The highlight of Swiatek’s 2026 season most definitely occurred in Toronto, where she lifted her 11th WTA 1000 title.
Swiatek defeated Marta Kostyuk, Elina Svitolina and Elena Rybakina en route to the Canadian Open title.
The Pole has suffered numerous underwhelming results since then, including losses to Elise Mertens, Maja Chwalinska and Qinwen Zheng.
The six-time Grand Slam champion will certainly hope that her 2027 WTA campaign bears more fruit.