Iga Swiatek was ‘psychologically lost on the court’ in shock Wimbledon loss, says former WTA star

Former world No 12 Tatiana Golovin has asserted that Iga Swiatek was “psychologically lost on the court” in her shock 2024 Wimbledon defeat to Yulia Putintseva.

The retired WTA star believes Swiatek is unable to “get over her emotions” in situations where matches become “too complicated” and likened the contest to the Pole’s 2023 Wimbledon loss.

Swiatek fell to a disappointing 6-3, 1-6, 2-6 upset defeat to world No 35 Putintseva in the third round at Wimbledon on Saturday.

Following a positive opening set, Swiatek was broken four times as she slipped to a convincing loss to Putintseva, who she had beaten in straight sets in each of the pair’s four previous matches.

The world No 1 achieved her best result from her five Wimbledon appearances in 2023, when she was beaten by Elina Svitolina in the quarter-finals.

The five-time Grand Slam champion holds an 11-5 (69%) record at Wimbledon, which is the only Major she is yet to reach the semi-finals at. Swiatek, who is a 22-time WTA titlist, is yet to reach a final at a grass-court tournament

The 23-year-old’s exit at the All England Club ended a superb 21-match winning streak that began in April and featured triumphs at the Madrid Open, the Italian Open and Roland Garros.

Speaking on beIN Sports France, Golovin assessed that Swiatek’s decision-making is often negatively affected in matches that become difficult.

“Even though Swiatek won the first set, we felt she was much more tense against this Putintseva, who managed to make her doubt,” said the Frenchwoman, who won two WTA titles.