Andrea Petkovic believes Iga Swiatek needs to incorporate a missing component to her game

Although Iga Swiatek has been the dominant force on the WTA Tour over the last two years. retired German star Andrea Petkovic believes the reigning Roland Garros champion could become even better by adding an unused element to her already impressive gamestyle.

Swiatek looked set to retain her title at last week's Qatar Open, but fell to familiar foe Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets during their semifinal encounter. This was Swiatek's fifth straight loss against the big-hitting Latvian, who now holds a 5-0 lead in career meetings against the former World No.1.

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Incorporating a slice could pay dividends for Swiatek, says Petkovic

Known for being almost unbeatable on clay, Swiatek has not fared as well on faster courts. In an interview following the Polish star's upset loss to Ostapenko, Petkovic stated she made a realization while watching the match.

“This is the first time. I have never thought about Iga’s game that she needs to add a slice,” said the former player-turned-analyst. “That was the first time I thought ‘she is missing a slice’.
“If Iga had a slice, even if she doesn’t feel comfortable with putting it up high, maybe with a slice she could gain some time.
“You either have to overpower her like Amanda did, because she [Ostapenko] hates other big hitters, she always loses to Osaka as well. So you have to overwhelm her with pace or if you can’t do that then you have to junk her."

Swiatek is yet to win a title this season, having fallen in the semifinals at both the Australian Open and Doha. The 23-year old is currently competing at the Dubai Duty Free Championships, where she'll face rising Russian star Mirra Andreeva in the quarterfinal.

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