In a stirring post-match reflection that’s caught the attention of the tennis world, former doubles champion and tennis analyst Rennae Stubbs didn’t hold back when offering pointed advice to Iga Swiatek following her surprising defeat at the 2025 Italian Open. With the clay-court season reaching its peak, all eyes were on the world No. 1 to see how she would navigate one of her historically strong tournaments. But after falling short yet again in Rome, it’s clear something has to change — and according to Stubbs, it starts with the serve.
Another Italian Open Upset: The Problem is Clear
Swiatek, who has enjoyed immense success on clay, including three French Open titles, was visibly frustrated after her loss to a red-hot underdog in the Italian Open quarterfinals. It wasn’t the first time she looked vulnerable this season, but it was the latest sign that her once-unshakable dominance might be slipping — and that opponents are increasingly finding ways to crack the code.
Despite fighting through long rallies and showcasing her signature baseline grit, Swiatek’s serve was again the glaring weakness. She struggled to earn free points, was broken multiple times, and found herself serving under pressure far too often. That’s where Stubbs entered the conversation, offering what many believe is not just tough love — but essential, constructive criticism.
Stubbs’ Sharp Advice: “Start Going Bigger on First Serves”
In a post-match breakdown for a major tennis broadcast, Stubbs said what many fans have whispered for months:
“If Iga Swiatek wants to continue dominating, she has to start going bigger on her first serve. It’s predictable. Players are stepping in, reading it, and punishing it. There’s no mystery anymore.”
The statement sent ripples through tennis social media, where fans, analysts, and former players weighed in. Stubbs didn’t mince words, but she didn’t need to. The statistics back her up.
Swiatek’s first-serve speed is notably lower than that of her closest rivals. While Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina regularly clock serves over 115 mph with heavy placement, Swiatek hovers in the low 100s, focusing more on spin and control. While this worked when she was brimming with confidence and dictating points early, the current WTA landscape is less forgiving.
The Evolution of the Women’s Game — and Where Swiatek Stands
Stubbs’ critique points to a broader truth: women’s tennis has evolved, and power on serve is no longer optional for the elite. While Swiatek’s strengths in movement, anticipation, and tactical shot-making remain elite, she is increasingly facing opponents who neutralize those advantages by rushing her from the first ball — starting with her own serve.
“Even the returners now are hitting bigger,” Stubbs added. “If your first serve isn’t getting you a short ball or putting your opponent on the defensive, you’re already losing the point.”
Indeed, Swiatek’s service stats from the match in Rome paint a troubling picture. She landed only 59% of first serves, won just 62% of those points, and was broken five times. Compare that to Sabalenka or Gauff, who consistently post first-serve win percentages in the 70s and above during their wins, and the difference is clear.
What’s at Stake: Can Swiatek Adapt Before Roland Garros?
The timing of this conversation couldn’t be more critical. Roland Garros looms just around the corner. It’s a tournament where Swiatek has reigned supreme, but this year she enters Paris with more question marks than ever.
Stubbs believes the time for subtle tweaks is over:
“She doesn’t need to completely overhaul her game, but she needs to be bold. Go for the body serve. Mix it up wide. Bring in more variety with purpose — not hesitation.”
Her advice resonates with a common thread among modern champions: the ability to adapt under pressure.
Players like Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz have evolved mid-career, adjusting tactics, serve placement, and even mental routines to address flaws. Swiatek, still just 23, has time on her side — but the window to assert dominance in the 2025 season is closing fast.
A Look at the Mental Game: Is Pressure Getting to Swiatek?
Beyond technique, there’s the mental side of the serve — and Rennae Stubbs wasn’t shy about touching on that either.
“There’s tension. You can see it in her ball toss, in her eyes when she goes for the second serve. She’s thinking too much instead of committing. That’s where confidence on the first serve matters most. It sets the tone,” Stubbs said.
That psychological dimension could be just as vital to Swiatek’s future success. Unlike power hitters who rely on overwhelming opponents in short rallies, Swiatek constructs points methodically. If she starts behind in the count — after a poor serve — she’s immediately forced into defensive patterns.
Stubbs’ commentary implies that reclaiming aggression on the first shot is critical, especially when the margins at the top of the game are razor-thin.
The Fans React: Social Media Buzzes with Debate
Tennis Twitter exploded following Stubbs’ remarks, with hashtags like #SwiatekServe and #StubbsSays trending within hours.
One fan wrote:
“Rennae hit the nail on the head. Iga’s serve is the missing piece of her next era. Trust the process!”
Another added:
“It’s wild how players have caught on to Iga’s patterns. She has the talent — just needs to evolve.”
But not all comments were critical. Some defended Swiatek, suggesting that her game is about more than brute force and that returning to her peak form is a matter of time and confidence.
Even former players chimed in. Kim Clijsters tweeted a more balanced take:
“Swiatek’s serve is under scrutiny, sure — but let’s not forget what she’s done at 23. She’ll respond. Watch.”
What Should Swiatek Do Now? Rennae’s Blueprint
If Swiatek were to take Stubbs’ advice seriously, what might that look like in practice?
- Increase First Serve Speed and Variation
- Target the 110–115 mph range more often, especially on key points.
- Use body serves and wider angles to keep returners guessing.
- Work with a Serve-Specific Coach
- A short-term partnership focused solely on serving mechanics could prove transformative, much like what Serena Williams did later in her career.
- Mental Routine Before Each Serve
- Whether it’s visualization, breathing, or a new toss ritual, calming the nerves and committing to the serve is critical.
- Rewatch Matches Where She Served Well
- Drawing confidence from past victories — like her 2022 French Open run — could rewire her mindset.
Stubbs concluded her segment with this message:
“Iga is a champion — no one’s questioning that. But champions listen, adapt, and evolve. The serve is her next chapter.”
Final Thoughts: A Turning Point or a Temporary Setback?
Iga Swiatek has built a career that already ranks among the greats of her generation. But in the ever-evolving ecosystem of women’s tennis, standing still is the first step toward falling behind. Rennae Stubbs’ advice — sharp, experienced, and rooted in analysis — might just be the nudge Swiatek needs to spark the next phase of her greatness.
Her serve isn’t just a technical issue. It’s a symbol of how she will respond to pressure, grow in adversity, and shape the legacy she continues to build. Fans and pundits will be watching closely at Roland Garros.
Will she answer the call?
