The Athletic is providing live updates from Day 6 at Wimbledon 2025.
Rising Tensions at Wimbledon
THE ALL ENGLAND CLUB, LONDON — A compelling storyline has emerged in the lower half of the women’s bracket at Wimbledon. At its core is a player whom many are trying to understand, just as she is working to rediscover her identity on the grass courts.
Świątek’s Challenge
Surprisingly, it’s not a newcomer or a player who has benefited from early exits of higher seeds. The focus is on Iga Świątek, the accomplished five-time Grand Slam champion who held the world No. 1 ranking for 125 weeks from early 2022 to late 2024. She’s the No. 8 seed at Wimbledon, but ranks No. 4 globally, with only three of the top seven players remaining in the tournament.
Rediscovering Her Form
To tap into her former self, Świątek must navigate a struggle between her two tennis personas that has been ongoing since late last year. Having claimed the girls’ singles title at the All England Club in 2018 and her first Grand Slam at the French Open in 2020, she has yet to secure a title in the 13 months since her last Grand Slam victory. Despite only reaching the second week of Wimbledon twice in five attempts, early signs in her matches here indicate a potential return to her previous prowess.
Strategies on the Court
During her match against Caty McNally on Centre Court, Świątek initially dropped the first set before recovering to win 5-7, 6-2, 6-1. She didn’t achieve this by hitting harder; instead, she opted for patience and strategy, adjusting her serves and returns to focus on keeping the ball in play. This change in approach highlights her effort to resist reverting to an aggressive style that previously hindered her performance.
Balancing Aggression and Patience
In her win over McNally, she discovered a balance between raising her intensity and maintaining a more methodical, patient game. “You can still raise your intensity and be patient,” she explained after the match. This attitude sets the stage for her next matchup against Danielle Collins, a player who has challenged her in the past and designed to test her mental resilience.
Looking Ahead
Despite her recent achievements, entering the later rounds of Wimbledon presents distinct challenges. Grass courts require a unique strategy, particularly for a player who has traditionally excelled on clay. Her past experiences have undoubtedly shaped her game; now, she must continuously adapt while holding on to the finesse that propelled her to greatness. With a win percentage of 72%, it’s clear that Świątek remains a formidable contender.
