Iga Swiatek completes dominant run, beats Sofia Kenin to win French Open
Iga Swiatek wasn’t going to be denied. Throughout the entire French Open, Swiatek imposed her will on opponents, never losing a set. She carried that streak into Saturday’s final, besting Sofia Kenin in two sets to win the French Open.
Swiatek, 19, got off to a strong start, taking a 2-0 lead in the first set. Kenin charged back, eventually evening the set 3-3, but Swiatek seemed to regain her composure and won the first set 6-4.
Swiatek came out strong in the second set, but was tested early as Kenin took an off-court medical timeout to address her injured thigh. The break in action didn’t seem to impact Swiatek, who won the next three games to make it 5-1.
With history on the line, Swiatek came through.
🇵🇱 Polish Perfection 🇵🇱 @iga_swiatek becomes the first Grand Slam singles champion from Poland and does not drop a set en route to her first career title 6-4 6-1 over Kenin.#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/jRuF4jE3ul
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) October 10, 2020
Iga Swiatek completes historic run at French Open
In doing so, Swiatek became the first Polish player to win a Grand Slam singles title.
History for Iga Swiatek!
She becomes the first 🇵🇱 to win a Grand Slam singles title, not dropping a set along the way. #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/HC0hI3cONW— US Open Tennis (@usopen) October 10, 2020
Swiatek’s run of dominance at the French Open drew comparisons to Steffi Graf.
Iga Swiatek, ranked 54th in the world, wins the French Open dropping 28 games in seven matches, fewest by any player without dropping a set since Steffi Graf in 1988. Greatest combination of unheralded dominance to a Slam title in 40+ years.
— Nick Zaccardi (@nzaccardi) October 10, 2020
The win will have quite the financial impact on Swiatek’s career. Coming into the French Open, she had a career earnings of $1.1 million. The prize money for winning the French Open is $1.9 million.
Following the match, Swiatek described the win as “overwhelming,” according to The Guardian.
“I don’t know what’s going on, so. I’m so happy. I’m so glad that my family is here finally. I don’t know, it’s so overwhelming for me. It’s crazy. Two years ago, I won junior Grand Slam and now I’m here. It feels like such a short time so I’m just overwhelmed, but thank you all for cheering. It was an amazing final.”
Though Swiatek’s run came as a surprise to some, she had some strong allies in her corner. Naomi Osaka — who interviewed Swiatek in May — tweeted out support for her friend. Osaka said she felt tense watching Swiatek attempt to win the French Open.
I hate watching tennis when I’m rooting for someone. Why are my muscles tensing up like I’m about to hit the ball? More importantly, whyyyyyyyy are my palms so sweaty???? pic.twitter.com/0zDbaKrd5o
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) October 10, 2020
Following the match, Osaka celebrated Swiatek’s win.
AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! 🥳😭❤️❤️❤️
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) October 10, 2020
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