The news revolves around the sport of tennis. - Unabated reign: Swiatek clinches her fourth French Open title
Iga Swiatek, kneeling on the red surface of Court Philippe Chatrier, screamed out her delight as she became the youngest four-time winner of the French Open Tennis Championship, defeating Jasmine Paolini from Italy in lopsided fashion, 6:2, 6:1. With this victory, Swiatek, at only 23, etched her name into tennis history.
In a mere 68 minutes, the top-ranked player claimed her first match point and displayed it proudly. Soon after, she lifted the silver Suzanne Lenglen Cup up high and kissed it tenderly.
Ahead of the men's final featuring Alexander Zverev from Germany and Spain's youngster Carlos Alcaraz, Swiatek's triumph underscored her recent dominance in women's tennis, particularly on clay. With this being her third consecutive win at Roland Garros, she joined an elite group of players who achieved this feat: Belgian Justine Henin (2005-2007) and Serbian Monica Seles (1990-1992).
Swiatek also wrapped up the record for most consecutive wins at a French Open match and added her fifth Grand Slam title.
Meanwhile, Paolini, who went toe-to-toe with Swiatek at the beginning, gets another shot at victory when she plays alongside Sara Errani against Coco Gauff from the USA and Katerina Siniakova in the doubles final on Sunday. Finding some solace, Paolini will become the first woman to enter the top ten of the world rankings for the first time on Monday.
"The best player in the world won the tournament and played like a machine, even after a shock moment against Naomi Osaka in the second round," remarked former German coach Barbara Rittner at Eurosport.
Incredible statistics are being made at the world's most prestigious clay court event that has the tennis world captivated. "These numbers remind me of someone: Rafael Nadal," commented tennis legend Boris Becker, who was at the tournament when he witnessed a potential farewell from the Spanish legend, who had lost to Zverev in what could well be his last appearance in Paris.
"Who knows if she'll follow in Nadal's footsteps in 14 years. That's the journey I'm on. It's crazy," said Swiatek, who found humility by squashing any comparison to the greatest clay court tennis player of all time, Rafael Nadal. "He's above everyone; he's a legend." But it does make her "proud" to hear her name in the same breath as someone of Nadal's caliber.
As Swiatek continues her journey, she's poised to become the new queen of clay in Paris, not far off from Chris Evert from the USA with her seven titles.
Read also:
- Jasmine Paolini, despite her loss to Iga Swiatek, looks forward to another opportunity for victory in the women's doubles final against Coco Gauff from the USA and Katerina Siniakova.
- The international tennis community eagerly anticipates the men's final between Germany's Alexander Zverev and Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, taking place in Paris.
- The French Open Tennis Championship, held in Paris, has been a stage for major achievements, with Suzanne Lenglen, a prominent French player, once dominating the tournament.
- Iga Swiatek's recent dominance in women's tennis, particularly on clay, has drawn parallels to legends like Steffi Graf, who has also left a significant mark on the sport.
- The victory of Iga Swiatek in the French Open has brought great joy to her fans and tennis enthusiasts around the world, adding to the excitement surrounding the Grand Slam tournament.
- Currently ranked at the top, Iga Swiatek's victory at Roland Garros further cemented her position as one of the most dominant players in the world, emulating the French Open success of stars like Justine Henin and Monica Seles.
- Boris Becker, a tennis legend, witnessed a potential farewell from the Spanish tennis great, Rafael Nadal, at the French Open, acknowledging Swiatek's achievements and drawing comparisons to Nadal's clay court domination.
- Swiatek, the French Open champion, continues to etch her name in tennis history while drawing inspiration from legendary players, such as Chris Evert, who have left an indelible mark on the sport.
- Germany's Alexander Zverev and Spain's Carlos Alcaraz are set to compete in the men's final, where the winner can potentially join the list of prestigious international tennis champions, including Rafael Nadal and Stefan Edberg.
