Cibulkova detects Swiatek's main problem: "She is losing against herself"

Iga Swiatek is going through one of the most delicate moments of her career. The Polish player has dropped to the eighth position in the WTA ranking after a very inconsistent last 18 months, only illuminated by her title at Wimbledon 2025. However, Dominika Cibulkova believes that the six-time Grand Slam champion has everything needed to soon solve her problems and potentially reclaim the world number one spot.

The former world number 4 analyzed for Tennis365 a situation she considers fundamentally mental. In her view, Swiatek still possesses an extraordinary level of tennis, but her confidence is notably influencing her performance.

Cibulkova believes that Swiatek will return to number one

"I am rooting for Iga Swiatek. I think that in the matches she loses, she is losing against herself," stated Cibulkova. "When she is mentally well, prepared, strong, and resilient, there aren't many players capable of defeating her."

The Slovak player identifies confidence as the determining factor to explain the ups and downs of a player who spent 125 weeks as number one. "Everything revolves around confidence. Of course, you have to train hard and practice a lot, but if you are not in the right mental state, you can lose confidence after just one match," she explained.

Swiatek finished 2022 and 2023 at the top of the rankings but has not held that position since October 2024. Aryna Sabalenka has taken over, and her power continues to make a difference on the circuit, something Cibulkova knows well from facing her. "Sabalenka is strong. I played against her towards the end of my career, and she is an extremely powerful player. She is a great tennis player, but my favorite is Swiatek," she admitted.

Therefore, Dominika Cibulkova has little doubt about the future of the Polish player: "I firmly believe she can return to number one. I am quite convinced." A message full of confidence towards an Iga Swiatek who needs to reconnect with herself to dominate again.