"No. 1 before Roland-Garros": Rick Macci's prediction on Iga Swiatek's return to the top

Coaching legend Rick Macci has just made a prediction: according to him, Iga Swiatek will become world number one again even before the start of Roland-Garros 2026.

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Arthur Millot

le 06/12/2025 à 17h06

1 min to read

Sabalenka Swiatek Williams

Macci: "The Pole will be at the top before the end of May"

When Rick Macci, the man who shaped the destinies of Serena and Venus Williams as well as Maria Sharapova, speaks, the tennis world listens.

Speaking on X, the 70-year-old man stated this:

"The Pole will reach the world number one spot because her mind will be even stronger. By the end of May, if not sooner, she will be at the top... and for others, it will be a disaster."

A realistic prediction...?

Indeed, Swiatek enters the first months of 2026 with a clear goal: to reclaim the crown lost to Aryna Sabalenka. And the schedule could well play in her favor.

Sabalenka, the current number 1, finds herself in the following position: she must defend a significant amount of points in a very short time.

Before the end of May, she carries on her shoulders: 1,000 points in Miami (2025 title) and 1,000 points in Madrid (2025 title), among others.

A total that could quickly collapse at the slightest misstep and thus benefit Swiatek in case of very good results.