Iga Swiatek is already thinking about next year, and she says the fix is not a mystery.

“I think it’s quite obvious the things that I need to improve. It’s always been the serve-and-volley game, going to the net a little bit more,” the 25-year-old told Migu, as reported by Yahoo Sports.

The admission comes at the end of a 2026 that fell well short of her own standards. She started the year ranked No. 2, is finishing it at No. 9, and produced only one title, the Canadian Open in Toronto, where she beat Elena Rybakina 6-2, 6-3. Her year closed 39-15.

At the majors, her exits came earlier than she is used to. She reached the quarterfinals in Melbourne, the fourth round at Roland Garros against Marta Kostyuk, the third round at Wimbledon, and the fourth round at the US Open.

Read also: PSG’s options for Kvaratskhelia replacement

Backing coach Francisco Roig

Swiatek also pointed out that retooling a game mid-tour is almost impossible: players spend most of the season adjusting to new surfaces and venues rather than developing new patterns, which makes an off-season the real window for the work.

That work is being done with Francisco Roig, Rafael Nadal’s long-time assistant coach, whom Swiatek hired in April 2026 after splitting with Wim Fissette. She has publicly backed the Spaniard.

“I’m really happy that we’re working together. I think it’s going great. But I feel like it’s a bigger process, developing your game, so that actually gives you a little bit more comfort,” she told Migu.

Season called off in October

On 20 October, Swiatek told her followers that her 2026 was over.

Read also: Kimi Antonelli just two points away from breaking Sebastian Vettel’s 16-year F1 record

“The past few months, or actually the past couple of years, have been incredibly intense and I need to rest and recover my body fully,” she wrote on Instagram.

The announcement followed her withdrawal from the Ningbo Open with a left thigh injury, which also ended her hopes of qualifying for the WTA Finals.

The season-ending WTA Finals begin on 8 November at Indian Wells, moved from Riyadh earlier this year. Swiatek will not be there. Her next appearance is expected at the start of the 2027 season.

Read also: Novak Djokovic makes surprise schedule change as ATP Finals hopes hang in the balance