Iga Swiatek moved into the round of 16 at Roland-Garros 2026 after defeating compatriot Magda Linette 6-4, 6-4. The four-time champion expressed satisfaction with her performance, noting improvements compared to earlier in the season. “I’m happy to be in a fourth round and it was a good match. I played much better than Miami, so I could use my forehand topspin and second serve,” she said.
Preparing for Kostyuk
Swiatek now faces Marta Kostyuk, who arrives in Paris unbeaten on clay this season. The Pole acknowledged the challenge ahead while emphasizing her own tactical focus. “Marta is having a great season. She always had a game to play well. She won Madrid, so good for her, but I’m going to focus on myself and prepare tactically as before any other match,” she commented.
Decision-making and coaching
Swiatek reflected on her improved shot selection and credited her coach Francisco Roig for helping her regain confidence. “We focused a lot on not being rushed into decisions. Now I feel much more solid and that gives me confidence. For most of the time I make good decisions and that’s an improvement. It wouldn’t be possible without Francisco,” she said. She also described the positive atmosphere within her team. “It’s important to survive with each other the whole year. Francisco is really positive and relaxed but decisive when needed. He brings this Latino sense of humor and vibe, so it’s a nice mix,” she explained.
Safety concerns on court
Swiatek addressed recent incidents involving players tripping over advertising boards and court covers. “If these things happen, there needs to be a reaction because there are other ways for sponsors to be visible. It’s a shame and it shouldn’t happen. I hope they’re going to put them in a different place because it’s not safe for sure,” she said.
Nadal’s influence
The world number one also spoke about her time training at the Rafael Nadal Academy before the clay season. “It was a really good week, probably the most intense week of practice that I had lately. Rafa was there for two practices, which I really appreciate. It was a huge honor for me to have him on the court. He gave me some technical tips but most of all we spoke about his experiences, and it was really nice to see that he’s so open to giving advice,” she said.
Swiatek’s blend of tactical clarity, concern for player safety, and inspiration from Nadal sets the stage for her highly anticipated clash with Kostyuk in Paris.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sllwhz3f1UU
WTA French Open - Iga Swiatek's projected path
Swiatek at the French Open, ranking, and results in 2026
Ranked no.3, the Pole has a 22-9 match record in 2026. The Pole is competing at the French Open where she defeated the world no.136 Emerson Jones 6-1 6-2, the world no.35 Sara Bejlek 6-2 6-3 and the world no.73 Magda Linette 6-4 6-4.
Iga Swiatek will face the world no.15 Marta Kostyuk in the 4th round. Their record is 3-0 for Swiatek.
The Pole reached the final in Australia (United Cup).
Swiatek won 26 titles in her career: 15 on hard courts, 10 on clay courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of her titles)
