After Defending Chris Evert’s Clay GOAT Status Against Iga Swiatek, Martina Navratilova Downplays Pole’s French Open Title – ‘Should Have Lost’

Ever since Iga Swiatek emerged victorious at Roland Garros, discussions and debates have arisen around her 5th Grand Slam victory. While her fourth clay court major title brought her closer to Chris Evert’s record of 7 remarkable wins, the former pro’s BFF seems to be unhappy with the lead. Soon after making a statement to fade the Pole’s victory, Martina Navratilova recently came forward to doubt her clay court dominance.

Iga Swiatek has solidified her image as the emerging queen of clay after winning her fourth Roland Garros title. Her victory against first-time finalist Jasmine Paolini from Italy has ignited conversations about her potential to challenge Chris Evert’s record of seven titles at the French Open. Swiatek’s dominance on clay might be undeniable, but tennis legend Martina Navratilova, Evert’s former rival and current bestie, has offered an opposing perspective on her reign.

Navratilova posed Swiatek’s second showdown against Naomi Osaka as a near miss. She said, “It is, without a doubt. OK, she should have lost against (Naomi) Osaka (7-6 [1], 1-6, 7-5 in the 2nd round), but afterward, she rolled over everyone.”

The former pro continued her opposition to Swiatek’s dominance by pointing out that defeating her requires a perfect match. “She is not invincible, but to beat her you have to have the perfect match, be solid on both sides, like (Aryna) Sabalenka, (Elena) Rybakina, Osaka,” she said.

Despite not having the best year so far, new mom Naomi Osaka almost had Swiatek in the second round. The World No. 1 didn’t meet Sabalenka this time but the Belarusian has faced two consecutive finals on clay, first in Madrid then Italy.

Navratilova was serious when she suggested the “perfect match” for Iga Swiatek. Disregarding the competitive levels of the finalist Jasmine Paolini, the former pro mentioned that she lacked the potential to challenge her rival. “A player like (Jasmine) Paolini plays too short, doesn’t have enough power on both sides to hurt her,” she added.

Martina Navratilova’s comment came just hours after the recent discussion surrounding the challenge against Chris Evert. While the former pro was determined to come up with anything that could make the Pole’s levels seem less competent than that of Chris Evert’s GOAT legacy on clay, she dropped imaginary differences between the past era and the current one. However, when it came to Evert herself, she was calm enough to admit to Swiatek’s rise.

Chris Evert nervous about Iga Swiatek’s rapid rise

Chris Evert had a crucial role to play at this year’s Roland Garros. While the players showcased their skills on the red dirt, the former pro dropped her analysis as she took the gig of a commentator for Eurosport. Soon before the final tussle between Iga Swiatek and Jasmine Paolini was about to begin, Evert was asked if she ever sees the Pole as a threat to her French Open record.

“When I put my head under the pillow, I’m worried about Iga,” she dropped a cheeky response, mentioning that she was nervous because of the champion’s rapid rise. Along with that, the former pro was kind enough to predict a greater fortune for Iga, especially at Roland Garros. “I think Iga will end up on double digits. I don’t just think she will beat my record here – I think it’s double digits,” she added.

Chris Evert’s recent comment laid a perfect example of how a respectful former pro should be. While there will always be a difference of opinions, Navratilova’s comment still remains a trigger to controversial discussions.