![\"Iga](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MixCollage-03-Mar-2026-08-31-PM-8518-6778467.jpg\" "\\"Iga")
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Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff have endured shaky starts to the 2026 season (Image: GETTY)<\/p>\n
Martina Navratilova<\/a> is convinced that rival players have figured out how to beat Iga Swiatek<\/a> and Coco Gauff<\/a>, having identified their weak spots. Both players have endured shaky starts to the 2026 season by their own high standards. Swiatek has lost four of her 13 matches since the turn of the year and was dumped out of the Australian Open<\/a> in the quarter-finals.<\/p>\n Gauff, meanwhile, has lost four of her 14 matches in 2026 and was also beaten in the last eight in Melbourne. She then lost her opening match at the Qatar Open before being knocked out of the Dubai Tennis Championships in the semi-finals. Assessing the struggles of both players, Navratilova suggested their rivals had finally figured out how to get the better of them.<\/p>\n Speaking to the WTA ahead of the Indian Wells Masters, Navratilova said: “I think for both Iga and Coco, the matches that they used to win easily, they\u2019re now winning sometimes with difficulty, or losing. It doesn\u2019t take much to have that happen.<\/p>\n “What\u2019s the final scoreline, maybe 6-4, 6-4, but it\u2019s only 100 points to 94. I think the other players are beginning to figure out how to beat them because they have the tools now to get the tactics right.<\/p>\n “They have clarity of action. I also think they learn to practice against that kind of stuff. They\u2019re used to it, so they don\u2019t get on the court and say: ‘My God, I haven\u2019t seen that much topspin ever before’. They can create topspin with their hitting partners.<\/p>\n “They can plug those holes where they\u2019re uncomfortable with a particular shot, the forehand or the backhand and build that confidence.”<\/p>\n Navratilova’s assessment will be music to the ears of Aryna Sabalenka, who will be hoping to pull further ahead of her two closest rivals as the season progresses.<\/p>\n Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate<\/a> or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings.<\/p>\n Aryna Sabalenka is undoubtedly the dominant force in women’s tennis (Image: Getty)<\/p>\n Sabalenka was mentioned by the nine-time Wimbledon<\/a> champion while discussing Gauff’s serve, backing the 21-year-old to find a solution to her issues with the ball in hand.<\/p>\n “Technically, Sabalenka was all over the map with her technique when she was double faulting, ow she\u2019s got that solved,” added Navratilova.<\/p>\n “With Coco, as far as I can see, the technique is fine. Sometimes it can become mental when the technique is okay. It gets into your head because you\u2019re supposed to be in control.<\/p>\n “As soon as you think: ‘I don\u2019t want to double fault’, you double fault. It\u2019s a self-fulfilling prophecy. When you\u2019re confident, that thought doesn\u2019t come into your head. She\u2019s only 21, I think she\u2019ll get it straightened out.”<\/p>\n All three players will be gunning for glory at the upcoming Indian Wells Open to knock defending champion Mirra Andreeva off her perch. The tournament is scheduled to begin later this week.<\/p>\n EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page<\/a>.<\/p>\n Stay up-to-date with the latest Tennis news Join us on WhatsApp<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Aryna](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/indian-wells-california-aryna-sabalenka-during-practice-ahead-of-the-bnp-paribas-open-at-6778472.jpg\" "\\"Aryna")
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