Snubbing Coco Gauff, American tennis stalwart chooses Iga Swiatek as Indian Wells Open favorite

Posted by author March 1, 2025 Tennis

An American tennis icon has stirred the pot ahead of the Indian Wells Open, sidelining Coco Gauff from her list of title contenders and instead backing Poland’s Iga Swiatek to clinch the crown. The bold prediction arrives as Gauff, the 20-year-old phenom, battles skepticism following a rocky start to 2025. While she triumphed at January’s United Cup, early exits at the Australian Open, Qatar Open, and Dubai Tennis Championship have cast shadows over her form.

With the Indian Wells showdown looming, the legend’s vote of no confidence in Gauff—and unwavering faith in Swiatek—adds intrigue to the young star’s quest for redemption. But what’s behind this surprising take?

Lindsay Davenport backs Swiatek’s resilience over Coco Gauff’s struggles

Three-time Grand Slam champion Lindsay Davenport didn’t hold back in her assessment. Despite Swiatek’s recent title drought and visible on-court tension, Davenport declared the World No. 2 the player to beat in the California desert.

“For whatever reason, she looks more stressed out on the court,” Davenport told Tennis.com, referencing Swiatek’s uncharacteristic demeanor. “Whether that’s because the results haven’t been there or the change of coach, I don’t know. She just doesn’t look as calm or at ease.”

Iga Swiatek’s recent struggles are undeniable. Since her 2024 Roland Garros victory, she’s failed to reach a WTA final, stumbling against rivals like Madison Keys, Jelena Ostapenko, and even Coco Gauff during the United Cup final. A coaching shakeup—replacing longtime mentor Tomasz Wiktorowski with Wim Fissette—and a one-month suspension for a doping violation last August further clouded her momentum. Yet Davenport insists Indian Wells could reignite her spark:

“Sometimes it only takes one tournament, one match, one set. She’s fortunate she’s coming into one of her favourite tournaments—for me, she’s the favourite.”

The stats back Davenport’s confidence. Swiatek is a two-time Indian Wells champion (2022, 2023) and semifinalist in 2024, dominating the event with her relentless baseline aggression. Meanwhile, Gauff’s 2025 inconsistencies—despite her electrifying United Cup run—leave questions unanswered. The American’s power-packed game has faltered under pressure, with unforced errors creeping into critical moments.

As Iga Swiatek eyes a hat-trick, Coco Gauff isn’t the only threat. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Dubai champion Mirra Andreeva, and 2023 Indian Wells winner Elena Rybakina loom large. But Davenport’s spotlight stays fixed on Swiatek:

“There are certain players where you feel like they can’t help but wear their emotions. You get a really good sense of Iga if you’re looking into her eyes.”

For Gauff, the snub might just be the fuel she needs. Can the young star defy doubters and reclaim her thunder? Or will Swiatek’s desert dominance prevail? The stakes—and the drama—are set.