Iga Swiatek, adding to her list of Grand Slam singles triumphs, has claimed her fourth title.
The French Open 2023 took place at Roland Garros, Paris, from May 28 to June 11. Detailed commentaries of key matches were broadcasted live on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, and updates were also available on the Sport News Center website and app.
Dominating the French Open recently, Swiatek managed to edge past Karolina Muchova to secure her third Roland Garros victory in four years. Despite being the top seed and having an obvious advantage over Muchova, who ranks 43rd, Swiatek had to exert a lot of effort to secure a 6-2 5-7 6-4 win.
The Czech contender, Muchova, 26, managed to lead 4-3 in the final set, but Swiatek, 22, from Poland, made a strong comeback to triumph. Swiatek, now a four-time Grand Slam winner, is the first female player to successfully defend the French Open title since Justine Henin in 2007.
Reflecting on the intense competition, Swiatek, the world’s top-ranked player, stated, “It wasn’t an easy match. It was a pretty intense last few weeks.” She further added, “I am just really happy. I never really focus on the records. I just do my best every day.”
Muchova, who was advised to retire last year due to injuries, displayed outstanding determination as she rallied back from being a set and 3-0 down. However, a double fault on her opponent’s first match point made her lose in one of the most unfortunate ways.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Swiatek dropped her racquet, fell to her knees, and burst into tears on the court. Once Muchova approached the net, she shared a hug with her. Muchova received an enthusiastic standing ovation when she went to collect her runners-up prize, which led to her becoming overwhelmed with emotion.
A visibly flustered Swiatek had to regain her composure as Muchova seemed close to an upset. Despite this, Swiatek continued to maintain her clay-court dominance.
Following the surprise retirement of former world number one Ashleigh Barty in March 2022, Swiatek emerged as the leading force in women’s tennis. A thigh injury and stiff competition from Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina led to doubts over Swiatek’s dominance at Roland Garros, but she silenced any skeptics with her resounding performance on the Paris clay.
In the match, Swiatek began aggressively, winning 12 of the first 15 points and breaking to lead 4-1, having no trouble to break again and secure the opening set. Muchova then transformed what had initially been a one-sided match into a gripping contest, forcing Swiatek to rethink her strategies.
With her composure regained and the pressure mounting on Muchova, Swiatek joined Monica Seles and Naomi Osaka as the only women to clinch their first four major finals in the Open era.
Former British number one Greg Rusedski, who was commenting on the final for BBC Radio 5 Live, remarked, “I think Swiatek will win double-digit Slams. Will she get to what Serena Williams achieved [23]? I don’t think so but this is what the women’s game needs.”
6 comments
Wow, Swiatek is really dominatin these days! Huge props to Muchova too, what a fighter!
I was there watching live! Atmosphere was electric, gotta say! Iga is just on fire rn.
Munchova was so close! Could have been her day but Iga’s just too good.
Never saw such spirit on court before! Both ladies were on fire, tense match till the end, loved it!
Swiatek is a force to be reckoned with! Hats off to Muchova though, she gave a tough fight, so much respect for her!
was on the edge of my seat the whole time! Crazy good match, cant wait for the next slam. Swiatek is really something else!