Iga Świątek, the Polish tennis sensation, is poised to be seeded No. 5 at Roland Garros after an unexpected turn of events at the 2025 Italian Open in Rome. This comes after the surprising title run of Italy’s Jasmine Paolini, who claimed her first-ever WTA 1000-level trophy with a stunning performance at the prestigious tournament. Świątek, who had been enjoying a relatively consistent run of form in 2025, now faces the prospect of being seeded lower than anticipated due to the tournament’s seeding rules, which are based on the WTA rankings and the players’ performances in the lead-up events.
A Dramatic Shift in the Rankings
Iga Świątek has long been a dominant force in women’s tennis. Known for her aggressive baseline play, versatile shot-making, and incredible mental fortitude, the world has come to expect great things from her at every major. However, the ever-changing landscape of professional tennis has once again brought unexpected developments. Before the 2025 Italian Open, Świątek was widely considered one of the top three favorites for the upcoming French Open, but her position in the WTA rankings has now been affected by Paolini’s incredible run to the Rome title.
The way the WTA seeding works at Grand Slams is based on a player’s current ranking and their results in the lead-up tournaments. With Świątek being one of the top-ranked players in the world, her seeding at Roland Garros had originally seemed secure. However, after Paolini’s surprise victory in Rome, the Italian’s significant jump in the rankings has seen her move into the top five, nudging Świątek down to the No. 5 spot. This may come as a blow for Świątek, who had hoped to enter Paris with a higher seeding and avoid meeting other top players until the later rounds of the tournament.
Jasmine Paolini’s Remarkable Journey
Jasmine Paolini’s title in Rome came as a major surprise to the tennis world. The Italian had never claimed a title of this stature before, making her run to the Italian Open trophy an incredible achievement. Paolini’s victory was not only a testament to her talent and hard work but also a demonstration of the unpredictable nature of tennis. In the final, Paolini faced some of the world’s best players, showcasing her resilience, adaptability, and mental strength. Her run to the title included victories over higher-ranked opponents, leading her to a career-high ranking and ultimately securing her a spot in the elite circle of top-ten players.
Paolini’s impressive performance in Rome catapulted her into the conversation of top contenders at Roland Garros, as her victory came just weeks before the French Open. With this title under her belt, she now finds herself as a serious threat at the upcoming Grand Slam, especially on clay, where she has proven to be effective. As a result of her triumph in Rome, Paolini’s ranking climbed rapidly, placing her at a career-high level. However, her rise also had the unintended consequence of shifting the seeding landscape at Roland Garros, with Świątek now sitting at No. 5 rather than a position closer to the top.
The Impact on Świątek’s Strategy
While being seeded No. 5 at Roland Garros isn’t a disaster by any means, it does present some challenges for Świątek, who is no stranger to the pressure of high expectations. The Polish star’s journey at Grand Slam events is always closely scrutinized, and while she has shown immense promise in the lead-up to Roland Garros, her seeding might affect her path to a potential title.
The key benefit of being a higher seed at a Grand Slam is that you are protected from facing other top players in the early rounds, ensuring that you have an easier path to the later stages. Świątek, having been seeded No. 1 in previous years, has enjoyed this privilege, but now that she is seeded No. 5, there’s a higher chance of facing some of the more challenging players earlier in the tournament. This can significantly impact the dynamics of her campaign at the French Open.
However, Świątek has been in this position before. As the former world No. 1 and reigning French Open champion in 2020, she has already proven her ability to deal with pressure and expectations. Her ability to perform under pressure, particularly on
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