Iga Swiatek still the one to beat at Indian Wells but challengers lining up

A t the last stage of the WTA’s Middle East swing two weeks ago, Iga Swiatek arrived in the final of the Dubai Duty Free Championships having fully reestablished her imperious form. She had first destroyed all in her path in Doha, losing just five games in her three matches en route to the title, and she remained untouchable a week later on the way to another final.

Most players understandably cower against the WTA’s dominant star in such form, but Barbora Krejcikova has consistently proved her toughness and quality in the biggest moments of her career. With an exhibition of daring, early ball-striking and her deep toolbox of variety, the Czech toppled Swiatek in straight sets. She is the only player since 2019 to defeat Swiatek in a final, a distinction she has now achieved twice.

The results in the Middle East left the tour in an interesting position before Indian Wells, the biggest non-grand slam event on the calendar. At the beginning of this season, the most pertinent questions of the WTA were exactly how Swiatek would follow up her first season as No 1 and who could possibly keep up with her?

Swiatek’s recent performances underlined her continued dominance. She does not only outplay her opponents, she destroys them. She overpowers them with her greater weaponry, dominating off both wings from inside the baseline with her spin, angles and weight of shot, but she is also a significantly better athlete than almost every opponent.

During her run in the Middle East, Swiatek also demonstrated improvements to her serve, a reminder that despite being the best player in the world, at 21 she is still improving. Swiatek was dealing with an infection in Dubai, and so she remained satisfied with her level despite the defeat.