Iga Swiatek admits she’s been more inconsistent than in previous years on the Tour but has vowed to give it her all heading into her finals events.
The former world No.1 heads into this week’s Wuhan Open with a win-loss record of 39-15 and is currently 10th in the race to the WTA Finals, which will feature the eight highest-ranked players. She has contested only one final so far in 2026, her title run at the Canadian Open. However, Swiatek has reached the quarter-finals or better at eight events during this period, with seven of those at WTA 1000 level or above.
“This (year) I would say I was less consistent than last ones,” Swiatek said earlier this week.
“I would love to do a bit more, and I’m going to do my best to play as long as possible here (at the Wuhan Open).”
Swiatek is playing in Wuhan for only the second time in her career, after reaching the quarter-finals in 2025. It is the second most prestigious tournament left in this year’s calendar after the WTA Finals. Swiatek was initially the seventh seed in the draw, but two players ranked above her – Mirra Andreeva and Linda Noskova – have withdrawn.
“It’s an intense season. I want to finish it with a good result to maybe start the next one in a positive way. I’m really happy to be here, but I’ll take it step by step as usual,” she states.
Since April, Francisco Roig has coached the Pole. He is best known for being a member of Rafael Nadal’s team. Roig, a former top 60 player himself, has also worked with Matteo Berrettini, Emma Raducanu and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
Reflecting on her partnership with the Spaniard, Swiatek believes she’s moving in the right direction, with her recent North American results backing it up. Besides winning the Canadian Open, she also reached the fourth round of the US Open.
“I needed to change some stuff and Francis has some really great ideas for my game,” she explains.
“I feel like we’re developing my game on the practice court quite a lot and it’s been a good progress.
“The US Open swing for sure was the most positive part of the season. So, for sure that shows that I’m going in the right direction.”
Swiatek will start her Wuhan title bid on Wednesday when she plays compatriot Magdalena Frech.
