Expect Her to Play Her Best Tennis: Coco Gauff Refuses to Underestimate Iga Swiatek for French Open Despite Recent Struggles

Coco Gauff is keeping it real—and respectful—when it comes to Iga Swiatek ahead of the French Open. Despite Swiatek showing the rarest of signs of vulnerability in recent weeks, Gauff isn’t buying into the narrative that the reigning Roland Garros queen is off her game.

“Expect her to play her best tennis,” Gauff said when asked about a potential showdown with the world No. 1. “It’s Paris. It’s her turf. You don’t win it three times by accident.”

Gauff knows all too well what Swiatek is capable of on the red dirt. Their 2022 final in Paris was a brutal masterclass from the Polish phenom, and even though the American has grown leaps and bounds since then—both mentally and tactically—she remains wary of Iga’s clay court pedigree.

The comment also shows Gauff’s evolving maturity. Rather than falling for media bait about Swiatek’s recent hiccups, she’s choosing to focus on respect, preparation, and self-belief. And let’s be honest—Swiatek’s “struggles” would be career highlights for most players.

But don’t mistake Gauff’s caution for fear. The 20-year-old has built up serious clay credentials of her own, and if a rematch does unfold in Paris, it won’t be a one-woman show this time.

Swiatek may be the favorite, but Gauff is gunning for her moment. And judging by her tone, she’s ready—just not naïve. Game on.