• Iga Swiatek defeated Elisabetta Cocciaretto 6-1, 6-0 in the second round of the Italian Open, demonstrating a strong recovery from her loss in Madrid.
• Swiatek is actively working on incorporating drop shots into her game to enhance her creativity and net play, a strategic shift highlighted after her opening match.
• She expressed concerns about her privacy in both Rome and Poland due to paparazzi and public attention, emphasizing the challenges of balancing her personal and professional life.

Iga Swiatek is competing in the Italian Open, seeking her fourth title in five years. She began her campaign with a decisive victory over Elisabetta Cocciaretto, winning 6-1, 6-0. This win marks a rebound for Swiatek after a significant loss to Coco Gauff in the Madrid Open. Beyond her on-court performance, Swiatek is also navigating the challenges of maintaining her privacy amidst growing public attention and actively working to diversify her playing style by incorporating drop shots into her game.

• What: Iga Swiatek won her second-round match at the Italian Open against Elisabetta Cocciaretto with a score of 6-1, 6-0. She is also focusing on improving her game by incorporating drop shots and addressing privacy concerns.
• Who: Iga Swiatek, Elisabetta Cocciaretto, Coco Gauff, Danielle Collins, Elena-Gabriela Ruse, Naomi Osaka, Rennae Stubbs, Wim Fissette.
• When: The Italian Open is taking place in May 2025. Swiatek's win was on Thursday, May 8, 2025. The French Open starts on May 25, 2025.
• Where: Rome, Italy (Foro Italico). Poland (regarding privacy concerns). Madrid (previous tournament).

Iga Swiatek's dominant win in Rome signifies a strong comeback after her loss to Coco Gauff in Madrid. Her focus on incorporating new drop shots demonstrates a proactive approach to improving her game and becoming more versatile on the court. Her comments about privacy highlight the challenges faced by high-profile athletes in balancing their public and personal lives. The Italian Open serves as a crucial preparation tournament for Swiatek as she aims for her fifth French Open title.

I have my restaurants, you know? But I’m not going to tell you the list. There are many Polish people in Rome, so I assume if I give you the list, they’re going to come to these places, and I want some peace.

In Poland, it’s not possible anymore, so I can’t really say how to do that because it’s just not possible. I’m spending more time in my apartment or at my friends’ apartments. I’m not really going out a lot because I know I’ll be watched.

I played one drop shot, I mean two drop shots, but one drop shot which was good. So I tried some new stuff and for sure it was a great match and a great start of the tournament.

For sure, I’m happy with the consistency... But for sure I want to also win some tournaments — that’s also the goal.

Iga Swiatek's dominant performance at the Italian Open, underscored by incorporating new strategies like drop shots, serves as a crucial confidence booster and tactical refinement ahead of her French Open title defense. Balancing on-court improvements with managing off-court privacy highlights her holistic approach to sustained success. While she aims to recapture the Madrid-Rome-Paris sweep achieved by Serena Williams in 2013, potential roadblocks exist, including fierce competition from Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, who have recently gained victories over Swiatek. Despite entering Roland Garros as a favorite, Swiatek's vulnerabilities exposed this season mean that her path to a fifth French Open title will demand resilience and strategic adaptation.