Former ATP Tour player Sam Querrey has predicted that Iga Swiatek will regain her top form in Indian Wells and may even contend for the title. The world No. 2 and reigning Wimbledon champion, Swiatek holds six Grand Slam singles titles but has not claimed a singles trophy since winning the WTA 500 Korea Open last September. After early exits in the China Open and Wuhan Open in late 2025, followed by a disappointing round-robin performance at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Swiatek is aiming for a strong comeback.
The 24-year-old Pole began 2026 by helping Poland secure the United Cup for the first time, although she was defeated by Coco Gauff in the semi-finals and by Belinda Bencic in the final of the mixed-team event. Swiatek then reached the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, where she lost to eventual champion Elena Rybakina in straight sets, and later bowed out in the Qatar Open quarter-finals against Maria Sakkari. Since her loss in Doha, she has not played, having withdrawn from the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Track Record and Conditions Favoring Swiatek at Indian Wells
Despite recent setbacks, Swiatek has repeatedly shown her strength at Indian Wells, a tournament often called Tennis Paradise, where slower and windier conditions have suited her style well. She has secured the WTA 1000 Indian Wells title twice, defeating Maria Sakkari in both 2022 and 2024 finals. Her consistency at the event is evident with four consecutive semi-final appearances, including losses to eventual champions Elena Rybakina in 2023 and Mirra Andreeva in 2025. This record positions her as a strong contender for the 2026 event.
The 2026 Indian Wells entry list includes top names such as Aryna Sabalenka, Swiatek, Rybakina, and Gauff, with anticipation building over seedings and prize money. Swiatek is expected to be the tournament’s second seed behind world No. 1 Sabalenka, each top 32 seed granted a first-round bye. The Polish star is one of only ten women to have won Indian Wells twice, and a third title would make her the first woman to achieve that milestone.
Expert Predictions and What’s Next for Swiatek
Speaking to Tennis.com, Sam Querrey was asked which player might use the early-season Sunshine Double—Indian Wells and Miami Open—as a springboard for the year. He said,
“I’ll take Swiatek to make a big run and potentially win it — especially if she plays a handful of night matches or matches in the wind. I think she’s dangerous in those conditions.”
– Sam Querrey, Former ATP Tour Player
Swiatek’s campaign for a third Indian Wells title will start next Friday or Saturday, and she will look to build momentum in a tournament where she has a proven affinity. A successful run here could signal a significant resurgence in form for the Pole and boost her chances for Grand Slam and WTA 1000 successes throughout the year.
