Iga Swiatek’s two-year stay at world No. 2 has been one of the most intriguing storylines on the WTA Tour. For a player who once dominated tennis with an iron grip, the Pole’s presence behind Aryna Sabalenka has felt unusual — yet it has also triggered a renewed hunger. Despite an inconsistent season, Swiatek collected a maiden Wimbledon crown, the Cincinnati Open and the Korea Open, showing that the fire is far from gone.
Now, a bold prediction from a legendary coach has reignited talk about her return to the summit.
Macci’s Prediction: “By May, If Not Faster”
Serena Williams’ former coach Rick Macci, a man who has shaped some of the greatest champions in tennis, believes Swiatek’s comeback to world No. 1 is not just possible but imminent. In a post on X, Macci called her “The Polish Punisher,” insisting that her mental strength has reached “granite” levels and predicting she could return to the top “by the end of May if not faster.”
For someone with Macci’s résumé — coaching Serena and Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova and Andy Roddick — the statement carries serious weight. His assessment suggests that Swiatek’s mix of tactical maturity, improved shot selection and emotional steadiness could tilt the rankings battle again.
Macci’s timeline aligns with the Tour’s structure. Swiatek has a window early in the year where she can gain ground, especially at the Australian Open, where a title run could significantly cut into Sabalenka’s lead. Her ability to peak at key moments has never been in doubt, and this prediction signals belief in her upcoming hard-court swing.
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Iga Swiatek’s Stance: “It Depends on How I Play”
While the tennis world debates her prospects, Swiatek has remained unusually calm about the rankings race. After lifting the Cincinnati Open trophy, she brushed aside questions about chasing No. 1, admitting:
“I don’t think about it, because I know Aryna is having a great season too, so I know it will just depend on how I play.”
Her approach reflects both maturity and realism. Sabalenka has not only been consistent, she has been destructive. Grand Slam finals, deep runs and an unflinching baseline game have helped her tighten her grip at the top.
Swiatek, by contrast, endured fluctuations. Her Wimbledon triumph showcased her brilliance, but an early group-stage exit from the WTA Finals reminded observers that her form still ebbs and flows. The Polish star’s mental focus, often praised in the past, has been tested more than ever.
Yet these challenges may be fuelling her growth. A player who once thrived on perfection is now learning to navigate instability and that’s a shift that could make her far more dangerous in 2026.
The Road to No. 1: What Needs to Happen
For Swiatek to reclaim the top ranking by May, several factors must align:
- A strong Australian Open campaign: Winning the season’s first Slam would immediately close the gap.
- Consistency across the early hard-court tournaments: Sabalenka rarely loses early, so Swiatek cannot afford early exits.
- Capitalising on tournaments where she has fewer points to defend: This is where her scheduling will be crucial.
Macci’s faith in her “mind and feet” captures the essence of her rise. Swiatek is a rhythm player, and once the rhythm returns, momentum often becomes unstoppable.
With her team fine-tuning both technique and temperament and with renewed confidence after a solid trophy haul this year, Swiatek enters 2026 as more than just a contender. She enters as a former dominator ready to reclaim familiar territory.
If her early-season results match Macci’s bold vision, the WTA may witness a ranking shake-up long before summer.
