French Open: Iga Swiatek had a newfound confidence in her own strength after defeating Karolina Muchova and completing her French Open hat-trick.
With her third Roland Garros triumph in four years, the 22-year-old Pole solidified her place as the finest female player in the world, particularly on clay.
But this was by far her most difficult major slam final, with unseeded Czech Muchova fighting back from a set and 3-0 deficit to force a decider.
Muchova led by a break twice in the match, but Swiatek refused to be defeated, finally winning 6-2 5-7 6-4 after two hours and 46 minutes and wailing on the clay.
“I’m feeling all these different emotions right now,” Swiatek explained. “Everything is very bizarre. But the contest was heated, with many ups and downs. Stressful moments and returning. So I’m glad that I was able to finish strong in those final few games.
“However, Karolina performed admirably. It was a significant task. I’m glad I accomplished it and really proud of myself. This one was definitely more difficult in terms of injury and pressure, as well as returning to this event as the reigning champion.
Swiatek became the first woman to successfully defend her championship on the Paris clay since Justine Henin in 2007. She joins Naomi Osaka on four Grand Slam titles, with Venus Williams holding the most with seven. Meanwhile, she joins Osaka and Monica Seles as the only women in the open era to win their first four slam finals.
Muchova, rated 43, had the performance of her life in the semi-finals against second seed Aryna Sabalenka, saving a match point and rallying from 5-2 down in the fourth set.
Swiatek made a poor start and it appeared that she would have another easy ride in a slam final, but the momentum switched at 3-0 in the second set. Muchova began to exert greater influence on the match as Swiatek tightened up, double-faulting to give her opponent the opportunity to serve for the set at 5-4.
Muchova failed to capitalise on her first opportunity, but Swiatek’s weak play provided her with a second chance, which she took, sealing her third set point after a sensational all-court rally.
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