"Still a slow court with a high bounce": Iga Swiatek shares thoughts on Indian Wells courts

Iga Swiatek shared her opinion on the new courts at Indian Wells after opening her title defense with an impressive second-round victory. The defending champion cruised past Caroline Garcia with a commanding 6-2, 6-0 win, delivering yet another bagel, as Swiatek often does.

In the days leading up to the tournament, organisers announced that the court surface had been changed from Plexipave to Laykold, the same material used in other major American events like the US Open, Miami, Cincinnati, and Canada Masters.

The reason? Faster courts that align with other tournaments, reducing surface inconsistencies that have drawn player complaints in the past. However, not all players have noticed significant changes. In fact, the 2022 and 2024 champion believes the difference is minimal.

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Swiatek unfazed by court changes as she cruises past Garcia

2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev even suggested the courts feel slower this year. “I will be honest with you, it’s okay. I like Indian Wells, I even like the courts now, but they seem to be almost slower than before, very slow,” Medvedev told Tennis.com. “I played two days, and they seemed very, very slow.”

Iga Swiatek at 2024 Indian Wells. She defeated Maria Sakkari in the final for her second title in Tennis Paradise.

As for five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek, she pointed out that the biggest difference comes when the ball hits the lines. “Here [in Indian Wells] it’s pretty similar, I would say the lines are quicker, so when the ball hits the line it’s pretty crazy, but besides that, it’s still a slow court with a high bounce,” Swiatek said.

“So I wouldn’t say there’s a lot of difference. But maybe I’m just, I don’t know, stupid tennis-wise, so maybe other players feel it better, I don’t know,” the world No. 2 added.

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After easing past Garcia, Swiatek also reflected on her strong start to her title defense. The Pole holds a 19-2 record at Tennis Paradise (90.4%) and, alongside Aryna Sabalenka, is one of the top favourites.

The fact that Swiatek perceives the courts as slow undoubtedly works in her favour, as they suit her playing style. “I [was] solid no matter what the score is, and I don’t take [the] next games for granted,” Swiatek said post-match. “If I’m leading even 4-0, I know that I should keep playing the same way and keep the same attitude to just win the match.”

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