Amidst the sea of star players vying for glory, one name has captured the hearts and minds of the tennis community, Iga Swiatek. Fresh off her remarkable performance on the clay courts, the Polish sensation is now setting her sights on a stellar campaign at Wimbledon. With the grass-court Grand Slam just around the corner, pundits and experts are buzzing with their predictions and opinions. However, Roger Federer’s ex-coach has a mixed opinion to share about her!

Speaking on the Tennis Channel Inside-In Podcast on June 20, Paul Annacone was seen struggling to choose a clear title favorite at Wimbledon. When asked if Swiatek can achieve similar success as clay and hard court on grass as well, Annacone said, “I don’t see any reason why she can’t.” However, he highlighted the problems that the World No. 3 needs to address. “I think it’s going to be important for her to take care of her serve. It’s important for her to get through the first couple rounds when the court’s green and slippery.” Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek has also resonated with similar sentiments.

Speaking about her expectations on the grass, the World No. 1 said, “I think the biggest progress I can make on grass right now is using my serves better, but also I don’t expect a lot.” Siwatek has often received criticism for her conventional serve techniques. Chatting further, Annacone re-emphasized his statements about the pole. “I don’t see any reason why she can’t have a real big Wimbledon. Can she win it? Absolutely. However, the former pro failed to choose his favorite player for the tournament.

“Is she my favorite? I don’t know that she’s my favorite. But as well as she’s playing, it’s tough to bet against her.” Meanwhile, he also hoped to raise his expectations from Coco Gauff as well. “I’m actually really interested to see Coco and see what she does at Wimbledon this year. Because I think after winning the US Open, her environment has changed.” He continued further to highlight the chances that the American has on grass. “So she needs to free herself up to just go play and I think Coco can have a great Wimbledon too.” Annacone’s statements are also reflected by Gauff.

When asked about her encounter with Ekaterina Alexandrova in 2023 in Berlin, Coco claimed to have forgotten that match and said that she has progressed a lot since then. “I’m a different player from last year,” she said. For the unversed, Gauff lost that match against Alexandrova 6-4, 6-0. Meanwhile, the Polish sensation is not shying away from taking a chance at the grass as well.

“I feel like every year it’s…”: Iga Swiatek expresses her hope for Grass

Swiatek has proved her dominance on the clay courts having won four grand slams at Roland Garros. However, her difficulty in getting a grand slam on grass has often remained a question for many. Meanwhile, the Pole opened up about her preparations for the tournament. 

“I felt last year that I could adapt quicker. I’ll see what the plan is for this year because last year it was the first time I was able to play this tournament before.” She further highlighted the physical rest that she needs before the tournament. “I think to play some matches before Wimbledon is good, but on the other hand, I played basically almost every match in Stuttgart, Madrid, Rome and here, and so we need to take care of my physicality, as well. Last year’s result was pretty nice. I feel like every year it’s easier for me to adapt to grass.”

As the grass court season progresses, it will be interesting to see if the sensational player can continue her exceptional gameplay and defy the odds to win Wimbledon as well.