Swiatek tops Muchova in thriller to win French Open
Paris, Jun 10 (EFE).- World No. 1 Iga Swiatek defeated 43rd-ranked Karolina Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 here Saturday to win the French Open for the second year in a row and the third time in four years.
The 22-year-old Pole became the youngest woman to lift the trophy at Roland Garros for a third time since Monica Seles and the youngest to snag a fourth Grand Slam title – she won last year’s US Open – since Serena Williams.
While Muchova, 26, whose career was knocked off the rails for several years by injuries, looks a good bet to begin climbing in the rankings after her performance in Paris.
The unseeded Czech beat world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus to reach her first Grand Slam final and was the only player to win a set from Swiatek in this year’s tournament.
Swiatek made quick work of the first set amid a spate of unforced errors by her opponent and was up 3-0 in the second when Muchova seized the initiative, breaking the Pole three times to prevail 7-5 and force a third set.
The Czech stormed out to a 2-0 lead in the third set, but Swiatek battled back to level the score at 2-2 and went on to victory as Muchova double-faulted on match point.
Seven-time French Open champion Chris Evert was on court for the presentations.
“I’ll try to keep it short as it is emotional,” Muchova said. “This is incredible, thank you everyone. It’s been amazing three weeks in Paris. This was so close but so far but this is what happens when you play the best. Iga I want to congratulate you once again and your team.”
Swiatek then hoisted the winner’s trophy to cheers and applause.
“Thank you guys! First of all congrats to Karolina, since we first played I know we were going to play tough matches. I was really struck with your variety on court, I know we are going to have many more finals. Congrats to your team as well. I wouldn’t be here without my team, thank you guys,” the champion said.
EFE lmpg/dr
