Iga Świątek’s Dominance Continues: Four-Time French Open Champion Reaches Rome Semi-Finals Amid Pre-Roland Garros Form Surge

Four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek has reignited her dominance on clay with a commanding performance at the Italian Open, reaching the semi-finals and signaling she is back to the form that made her the undisputed queen of the surface. The 24-year-old Polish star defeated fifth-seeded American Jessica Pegula in straight sets—6-1, 6-2—on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Foro Italico in Rome. The victory, which took just over an hour, underscores Swiatek’s rapid resurgence after a period of inconsistency that saw her fail to win a clay-court tournament since her last French Open triumph in 2024.

Swiatek’s return to her best has been particularly evident in her recent preparation. She has worked closely with Rafael Nadal’s former coach Francisco Roig, who was appointed as her new mentor last month, and has sought advice from the 22-time major champion himself during practice sessions. The adjustments appear to have revitalized her confidence, with Swiatek stating after the Pegula win, “The stuff we did in the last few weeks has helped, and I have a lot of confidence in my shots.”

Her form has been timely, coming just weeks ahead of the 2026 French Open, which begins on May 24. Swiatek’s semi-final berth in Rome—where she is a three-time champion—further cements her status as the favorite to reclaim the title. She will next face either the second-seeded Elena Rybakina or Elina Svitolina in the last four, with a potential showdown against reigning French Open champion Coco Gauff looming in Saturday’s final if she progresses.

From ‘Queen of Clay’ to a period of doubt

Swiatek’s journey back to the top has been marked by both triumph, and setbacks. Between 2020 and 2024, she won four French Open titles and six WTA Tour events on clay, earning the nickname “Queen of Clay” for her near-invincibility on the surface. However, her dominance waned in 2025, when she failed to win a single clay-court tournament before losing in the semi-finals of the Paris Masters.

Her struggles were partly attributed to a shift in playing style under her previous coach, Wim Fissette, who attempted to implement a more aggressive baseline approach. Swiatek later admitted she lost confidence in the adjustments, a misstep that left her vulnerable when matches turned against her. The change in coaching and tactical direction under Roig appears to have reversed that trend, with Swiatek now displaying the relentless shot-making and court coverage that defined her peak.

A statement victory with implications for Roland Garros

The Pegula win was not just a personal best for Swiatek but a clear statement of intent ahead of the French Open. Pegula, ranked fifth in the world and a formidable opponent on clay, was dominated in both sets, dropping just three games in total. Swiatek’s ability to dictate play from the outset—winning 10 of the first 11 games—demonstrated her renewed ability to impose her will on opponents, a hallmark of her earlier dominance.

Her semi-final appearance in Rome is particularly significant given her recent form. Since her last clay-court title in 2024, Swiatek had struggled to replicate her success, finishing outside the top four in multiple tournaments and facing early exits in major events. The Italian Open victory, however, suggests she has turned a corner. “I feel much better,” she said. “I used that from the beginning of the match and kept putting pressure on Jessie. I’m really happy with how I played.”

What’s next: The road to Paris

Swiatek’s next challenge will be navigating the semi-finals of the Italian Open, where she will test herself against either Rybakina or Svitolina. Both opponents are capable of disrupting her rhythm, but her recent form suggests she is more than ready for the test. If she advances to the final, she will face Gauff, who has been a thorn in her side in recent encounters, including a closely contested French Open final in 2024.

Regardless of the outcome in Rome, Swiatek’s performance has already sent a powerful message: she is back, and she is targeting another French Open title. With Roland Garros less than three weeks away, the clay courts of Paris may soon witness the return of the player who once ruled them.

For now, Swiatek’s focus remains on one match at a time. As she prepares for the semi-finals, the tennis world watches closely—her resurgence could define the 2026 season.