Iga Świątek triumphed over Amanda Anisimova in the Wimbledon final last year, winning decisively with a score of 6–0 6–0 to claim the title at the All England Club.
This marked just the third significant final, and the second during the Open Era, to conclude with a “double bagel” score. The first instances occurred at the 1911 Wimbledon Championships and the 1988 French Open.
This victory marked her inaugural Wimbledon championship and her sixth overall Major title.
Świątek made history as the first Polish player to secure a singles title at Wimbledon.
The former World No.1 has had a mixed season so far and has found it very difficult to replicate the form she showed in 2025. This year has been more of a transition for the Pole and the title defense in London might prove to be difficult.
Why Iga Świątek Won’t Win The Wimbledon Title:
Coaching instability
Świątek ended her partnership with Wim Fissette in March 2026, after he had been coaching her since October 2024.
The pair enjoyed a fruitful 2025 before their breakup in March 2026. As mentioned, Fissette helped Świątek win her first-ever Wimbledon title. The six-time Grand Slam winner was unstoppable on the way to the title; she recorded straight-sets victories against Liudmila Samsonova in the quarterfinal and Belinda Bencic in the semifinal, and then double-bageled Amanda Anisimova in the final.
Świątek claimed a maiden victory at the Cincinnati Open after defeating Elena Rybakina in the semifinals, and she then triumphed over Jasmine Paolini to seal the title. Świątek did not drop a set during the tournament.
Świątek and Fissette won their last title together in Seoul when the former World No. 1 defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova in the final.
Świątek hired former coach of Rafael Nadal, Francisco Roig, in early May 2026. The pair have played four tournaments so far and are yet to reach a final.
Changes in coaching can have profound and often negative effects across multiple levels. Inconsistent results and tactical erosion, and constant change prevents a player from developing a cohesive identity. Each new coach introduces different tactics, forcing Świątek to constantly unlearn and adapt, which has led to inconsistency.
Form
Świątek entered 2026 as the World No. 2, but due to a lack of consistency, the former World No. 1 currently finds herself in the No. 6 position in the live rankings.
The Pole’s 2026 Grand Slam form is not that great by her standards. She has struggled for consistency during the two previous Grand Slam tournaments.
Świątek lost to Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinal of the Australian Open in straight sets, 7-5 6-1. Rybakina went on to win the title by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
The six-time Grand Slam winner was defeated by Marta Kostyuk in the fourth round of the French Open in straight sets, 7-5 6-1.
Title defense difficulty
Since the year 2000, only two players have retained their titles: the Williams sisters. Venus Williams defended her title on two occasions during that period, and her sister Serena Williams did so on three occasions. Serena Williams is the last player to retain her title, having done so in 2016, and during that time, the tournament has produced eight different winners. Since 2016, no winner has even been able to return to the final.
This will surely be a tall mountain for Iga Swiatek to climb, considering all these factors do not favor a path toward a record seventh Grand Slam title. I don’t see the Pole defending her title come July 11.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
