Veteran American Tennis Legend John McEnroe Addresses the Booming Big-3 Debate in Women’s Tennis as Iga Swiatek Leads the Pack With Other Two WTA Stars

The WTA has found new talent after many greats retired in the last few years. Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina are three players who have the attention of followers of women’s tennis. With the French Open going in full swing, the three players, who also get referred to as the big three of the WTA, aim to bag the top prize. As per John McEnroe, if Swiatek does not take it home, the other two will surely rise up to claim the trophy for themselves. 

Iga Swiatek will be stepping into the French Open to defend her title. She won the Roland Garros in 2020 and 2022 and is looking to win the major for a third time. She has advanced from the first round against Cristina Bucșa with ease and aims to forge a smooth road to the finals.

John McEnroe says Iga Swiatek can’t relent

McEnroe is in Paris to cover the commentary for the French Open for Eurosport. A tradition for each tournament is veterans predicting who will win it. Talking to Eurosport, the Superbrat made his predictions about the winner, but they weren’t straightforward. As per him, the one who is likely to win is Iga Swiatek. But she has been experiencing immense stress as people expect her to win. If she relents, it could fall right out of her hands. 

“She’s been feeling a lot more pressure this year because everyone expects her to win every tournament, and suddenly, Rybakina and Sabalenka have both stepped up, and they’re the two who are most likely to win this if it’s not Iga, because they’re the ones who can take the racquet out of her hand.”

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McEnroe once again affirmed that Swiatek would win if the weather conditions weren’t dry. It would be a boon for Rybakina or Sabalenka as they hit powerful shots, but it could spell trouble for someone like Swiatek. 

“Otherwise, I’d pick Iga to win this on the clay. In these dry, slippery conditions, they might help a big hitter like Rybakina or Sabalenka. They go for big shots and that might cause Swiatek problems, as she’s the best movers that I’ve ever seen, up with Serena [Williams] and Kim Clijsters, the all-time great movers.”

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As the tournament plays out, the three are playing as is expected of them. They have eased into the second round, and any further predictions would have to wait till the championships progresses and the matches become more difficult.