How Iga Swiatek performed at every Grand Slam the last time she failed to win a major in a calendar year
Iga Swiatek’s 2026 Grand Slam journey ended in disappointment on Monday afternoon.
The six-time Grand Slam champion looked well on her way to securing victory over Qinwen Zheng in the US Open fourth round when she established a 5-0 lead in the first set.
It was not to be for the Pole, who was eventually defeated 7-5, 6-3 by the Olympic gold medallist.
Where will Iga Swiatek be ranked at the end of 2026?
For the first time since 2021, Swiatek has failed to win a Grand Slam in a calendar year.
Iga Swiatek’s 2021 Grand Slam campaign
Upon beginning the 2021 season, Swiatek had one Grand Slam title to her name.
Swiatek won her maiden major title at the 2020 French Open, defeating Sofia Kenin in the final.
The Polish star began her 2021 Grand Slam journey by reaching the fourth round in Melbourne, beating Arantxa Rus, Camila Giorgi and Fiona Ferro.
Swiatek was then defeated by Wimbledon champion Simona Halep.
Five months later, Swiatek attempted to defend her Roland Garros crown.
She was unsuccessful in this endeavour, losing in the quarter-finals to Maria Sakkari.
After losing in Paris, Swiatek shifted her attention to the grass courts of Wimbledon.
The Polish star advanced to the fourth round, beating Hsieh Su-wei, Vera Zvonareva and Irina-Camelia Begu, before falling flat against Ons Jabeur.
Swiatek also qualified for the fourth round at the final major event of the year: the US Open.
Belinda Bencic ended Swiatek’s hopes on this occasion, triumphing 7-6, 6-3.
| Tournament | Round/Opponent | Score |
| Australian Open | R4/Simona Halep | 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 |
| Roland Garros | QF/Maria Sakkari | 6-4, 6-4 |
| Wimbledon | R4/Ons Jabeur | 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 |
| US Open | R4/Belinda Bencic | 7-6, 6-3 |
Iga Swiatek’s best major performance on hard courts since winning the 2022 US Open
Swiatek captured her third major title at the 2022 US Open, beating Ons Jabeur in the final.
Since then, she has failed to reach the final at either of the two hard-court Grand Slams: the Australian Open and the US Open.
Her best performance at a hard-court major since the 2022 US Open occurred at the 2025 Australian Open.
Which WTA player will leave the US Open as the world number one?
Four women are in contention!
The Polish star defeated Katerina Siniakova, Rebecca Sramkova, Emma Raducanu, Eva Lys and Emma Navarro, before losing to Madison Keys in a close three-set encounter.
