Just in:Jim Courier claims Iga Swiatek has said something ‘really weird’ after losing to Coco Gauff in Madrrid…see reasons y below 👇

Just in:Jim Courier claims Iga Swiatek has said something ‘really weird’ after losing to Coco Gauff in Madrrid…see reasons y below 👇

Jim Courier’s Claim: Iga Swiatek’s ‘Really Weird’ Comment After Madrid Open Loss to Coco Gauff
The 2025 Madrid Open women’s semifinal between Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff was a match that sent shockwaves through the tennis world. In a stunning upset, Gauff dismantled the defending champion Swiatek 6-1, 6-1 in just 64 minutes, marking one of the most lopsided defeats of Swiatek’s career on clay. Post-match, Swiatek’s comments about her performance drew attention, with Tennis Channel commentator and former World No. 1 Jim Courier labeling them as “really weird.” This article delves into the match, Swiatek’s remarks, Courier’s reaction, and the broader context of this pivotal moment in the 2025 WTA season.
The Match: A Dominant Display by Coco Gauff
The Madrid Open semifinal on May 1, 2025, was anticipated as a blockbuster clash between two of the WTA’s brightest stars. Swiatek, the World No. 2 and a four-time French Open champion, entered the match with an 11-3 head-to-head advantage over Gauff, including a dominant 5-0 record on clay. However, Gauff, the No. 4 seed, flipped the script with a near-flawless performance at the Caja Magica.
Gauff’s victory was a masterclass in aggressive yet controlled tennis. She won 11 consecutive games after Swiatek held serve in the opening game, finishing with 18 winners, six aces, and just four unforced errors. Swiatek, by contrast, struggled immensely, committing 21 unforced errors and winning only 35% of her first-serve points. She failed to generate a single break point on Gauff’s serve, a stark departure from her usual dominance on clay.

The emotional toll was evident as Swiatek was seen in tears during a changeover at 6-1, 3-0, covering her head with a towel. A moment of frustration led to an audible obscenity, resulting in a rare code violation from the chair umpire. For Gauff, the win marked her third consecutive victory over Swiatek, following triumphs at the 2024 WTA Finals and the 2025 United Cup, signaling a shift in their rivalry.

Swiatek’s Post-Match Comments
In her post-match press conference, Swiatek was candid about her struggles, admitting that her performance was “pretty bad.” She pinpointed her movement as a primary issue, stating, “I wish I would have moved better because I think that would give me an opportunity to bounce back… I wasn’t ready to play back the shots with heaviness, and, yeah, with that kind of game, it was pretty bad.” She further elaborated, “I feel like I wasn’t even in the right place with my feet before the shots… Honestly, there’s nothing like to walk through because it was all pretty much the same from the beginning to the end.”

Swiatek’s focus on her movement was surprising given her reputation as one of the best movers on the WTA Tour, particularly on clay. She acknowledged the challenge of adapting her footwork, saying, “I’ve been forcing myself to go lower, to be more precise with my feet because it’s not going by itself. So, hopefully, one day, it’s going to click.” This admission came after a season marked by inconsistency, with Swiatek reaching the quarterfinals in every 2025 tournament but failing to reach a final since her 2024 Roland Garros triumph.

Jim Courier’s Reaction: ‘Really Weird’ Comments
Jim Courier, a former four-time Grand Slam champion and respected commentator, found Swiatek’s explanation puzzling. Speaking on Tennis Channel, Courier described her comments about struggling with movement as “really weird,” given her typically exceptional footwork, especially on clay. He noted, “Post-match Swiatek said she struggled with her movement, and I found these comments to be somewhat surprising, given how strong her movement usually is and in particular on clay.”

Courier’s co-commentator, Tracy Austin, echoed his surprise, adding, “Especially on clay. That is where she usually has a bit more time. The footwork on grass for Iga would be a bit more uncomfortable.” The pair’s reaction highlighted the disconnect between Swiatek’s usual strengths and her post-match analysis. Clay has long been Swiatek’s domain, with three Madrid Open finals (winning in 2024) and four French Open titles. Her admission of movement issues on a surface where she typically excels raised eyebrows.

Courier also took time to praise Gauff’s performance, noting the effectiveness of her forehand, which had been a point of concern earlier in the season. “When she beat her in the United Cup in Sydney, the forehand… looked so good, and then there have been times this year where it has not been as good,” he said. Gauff’s ability to drive through her forehand and force Swiatek into “awkward positions” was a key factor in the rout.

Contextualizing Swiatek’s Struggles
Swiatek’s 2025 season has been a departure from her dominant 2022-2024 run, during which she won five Grand Slams and established herself as the WTA’s premier clay-courter. Despite a solid 26-8 record, she has yet to win a title in 2025, with losses to peaking opponents like Jelena Ostapenko in Stuttgart and now Gauff in Madrid. Her title defense in Madrid was marked by uneven performances, including three-set battles against Alexandra Eala, Diana Shnaider, and Madison Keys, where she dropped the first set 6-0 against Keys before rallying.

The Madrid loss was Swiatek’s worst on clay since a 6-1, 6-0 defeat to Simona Halep at the 2019 French Open, when she was an 18-year-old ranked No. 104. The emotional and technical struggles in Madrid, coupled with her lack of a coach in 2025, suggest a player grappling with form and confidence. Swiatek’s comments about lacking a “plan B” underscored her inability to adapt when her primary game faltered, a rare vulnerability for a player known for her tactical acumen.

The Broader Impact: Gauff’s Ascendancy and Swiatek’s Reset
For Coco Gauff, the Madrid victory was a landmark moment. Reaching her first clay-court WTA 1000 final, she showcased her growth as an all-surface player. Her aggressive play, bolstered by a reliable forehand and dominant serving, positioned her as a serious contender for the French Open and a potential No. 2 in the WTA rankings if she won the Madrid title against Aryna Sabalenka. Gauff’s mental approach was equally impressive, as she emphasized maintaining her level to prevent Swiatek from mounting a comeback.

For Swiatek, the loss was a wake-up call. With the Italian Open in Rome looming—where she is also the defending champion—she faces pressure to regroup quickly. Her comments about movement and lack of a backup plan suggest technical and mental hurdles that need addressing before Roland Garros, where she will aim for a fifth title. Casper Ruud’s heartfelt message on X, urging Swiatek to “keep your head up” and praising her as an inspiration, reflected the tennis community’s support for her recovery.

Critical Analysis: Was Courier’s Claim Fair?
Courier’s characterization of Swiatek’s comments as “really weird” may seem harsh, but it reflects the unexpected nature of her explanation. Swiatek’s movement is a cornerstone of her game, enabling her to defend and transition to offense seamlessly. Her admission of struggling with footwork on clay, where she typically thrives, could indicate deeper issues—perhaps physical fatigue, mental burnout, or the absence of a coach to refine her game. However, her candor also highlights her self-awareness, as she acknowledged forcing her movement rather than relying on instinct.

Critics might argue that Courier’s comment overlooks the context of Swiatek’s season-long struggles and the emotional weight of such a defeat. Yet, his perspective as a former champion adds credibility, as he likely recognizes the anomaly of a player like Swiatek citing movement as a primary issue. The “weirdness” lies in the contrast between her usual dominance and her uncharacteristic performance, making her explanation stand out.

Conclusion
The 2025 Madrid Open semifinal between Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek was a defining moment for both players. Gauff’s emphatic victory solidified her as a rising force, while Swiatek’s humbling defeat exposed vulnerabilities in her game and mindset. Jim Courier’s claim that Swiatek’s post-match comments were “really weird” sparked discussion, reflecting the surprise at her focus on movement issues on her best surface. As Swiatek prepares for Rome and Roland Garros, her ability to address these challenges will determine her path forward. Meanwhile, Gauff’s breakthrough sets the stage for an exciting clay-court season, with the tennis world watching closely.