Andrea Petkovic has cast doubt over Iga Swiatek’s hopes of winning the 2025 Australian Open as she questioned whether the Polish star “can bring it in the first month” of the season.

The former world No 9, who is now a tennis analyst and commentator, predicted that Swiatek will be “even better” in 2025 despite the slow start she expects.

Swiatek will aim to win her sixth Grand Slam title at the 2025 Australian Open, which will run from January 12 to 26.

The 23-year-old’s best result at the Australian Open was her run to the semi-finals in 2022, while she lost in the fourth round in Melbourne in 2023 and the third round in 2024.

The world No 2 is currently in action at the United Cup, where she is trying to lead Poland to a maiden title in the competition.

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Speaking on the Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, Petkovic suggested that the “residue” from the one-month doping ban Swiatek received late in 2024 could affect her early in the new season.

“I thought this was going to be the year, 2025, where Iga does really well at the Australian Open,” the German said.

“I know how her brain functions and I know she wants to get better at the things she is not as good at yet, and I know she has worked specifically in the off-season on that.

“I just think that with her personality and her anxiousness, there might be some residue in the first month.

“I just don’t know if she can bring it in the first month on a surface which traditionally doesn’t suit her well, with all the residue of what happened at the end of the season.

“Once she shakes it off, I think she will start playing really well again. I think she will be great in 2025, even better than she was this year.”

Former doubles world No 1 Rennae Stubbs assessed that the Australian Open courts do not suit Swiatek’s game, but she did not write off the Pole’s chances.

“I think it’s more of the court in Australia doesn’t really suit her until they slow it down, which I am hearing they are not this year,” the Aussie explained.

“I think it’s still going to be quite fast, which is fine with me. I don’t mind that. It lends itself to people being more aggressive, coming to the net and hitting big serves.

“As far as the Australian Open, do I think Iga can win it? Sure. I am never going to say she can’t win it.”

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