"Maybe it's better for herself to take a couple of weeks off" - Iga Swiatek's absence from Miami Open 2023 comes at a 'good time', says Mats Wilander
Former World No. 1 Mats Wilander shared his opinion on the positives to be found in Iga Swiatek's forced absence from the 2023 Miami Open.
Following her semifinal defeat to Elena Rybakina at the 2023 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Iga Swiatek cited discomfort in her ribs that disallowed her from playing at her best. On March 22, the World No. 1 revealed that the same rib injury was forcing her to pull out of the ongoing Miami Open and the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup.
In an interview with Eurosport, former player Mats Wilander stated that a rib injury would have made it "nearly impossible" for Iga Swiatek to put up a good showing against a challenging player like Elena Rybakina on the slower courts in Indian Wells.
"So I think the rib injury explains everything," the Swede said.
Wilander further commented that players have figured out how to play against Swiatek, which is the reason for her reduced success this year. He pointed out that this trend began with Jessica Pegula in the United Cup, followed by Elena Rybakina at the Australian Open and again at Indian Wells.
"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," he stated.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion asserted that while he would have loved to see Swiatek learn how to solve her issues against powerful players like Rybakina, he felt that a break from the WTA Tour could prove to be a blessing in disguise for the World No. 1.
"It comes at a good time. Unfortunately, you're not going to get to see her in Miami. I'm not going to get to see her because I'd love to see her solve the problem (against the power players), but maybe it's better for herself to take a couple of weeks off," Wilander stated.
"She's going to be one of the favorites" - Mats Wilander on Iga Swiatek's chances at Roland Garros 2023
In the same interview, Mats Wilander recognized the intensity of the pressure on Iga Swiatek from the constant questions regarding her inability to match her record from the previous year. In 2022, the Pole went on a 37-match win streak, rising from World No. 9 to World No. 1 over the course of the season.
The 58-year-old further emphasized that a break away from the tour would allow Swiatek to be rejuvenized in time for the clay court season. He added that if she felt confident walking into the 2023 French Open, she would undoubtedly be one of the favorites to defend her title.
"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," Wilander said.
Iga Swiatek defeated Coco Gauff 6-1, 6-3 in the 2022 French Open final to clinch her second Grand Slam title.