Tennis legend Andy Roddick isn’t here for the panic around Iga Swiatek’s recent dip in form — and he’s making that crystal clear. Amid murmurs of a “slump” following a few shaky performances and tighter-than-expected matches, Roddick came to Swiatek’s defense, reminding fans and critics alike that greatness isn’t always linear.
“It’s taking Iga a minute,” Roddick said on his podcast. “That’s okay. She’s human, not a robot.” And he’s got a point. After dominating the tour and claiming multiple Grand Slam titles, Swiatek has set a ridiculously high bar. So when she’s not bulldozing opponents 6-1, 6-0, the alarm bells start ringing — but maybe unnecessarily so.
The Polish star is still firmly entrenched in the top rankings, still battling deep into tournaments, and still very much a threat every time she steps on court. But with rising stars like Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina nipping at her heels, and expectations sky-high, it’s no wonder the pressure’s been mounting.
Roddick’s take? Let her breathe. Even Serena had off weeks. Even Federer lost matches he “shouldn’t have.” This might not be peak Iga, but it’s far from collapse.
Fans love a dominant force — until that force wobbles. But champions aren’t made in the easy wins; they’re made when things get messy. And if Roddick’s gut is right, Swiatek’s just catching her breath… before the next storm she’s about to unleash.