Teenager Swiatek stuns Kenin to win French Open

Paris, Oct 10 (efe-epa).- Iga Swiatek became the lowest-ranked woman to win the French Open by beating fourth seed Sofia Kenin 6-4, 6-1 in the final at Roland Garros on Saturday.

The 19-year-old former junior Wimbledon champion, who is ranked 54 in the world and had only played once before in the main draw at the tournament, is the first player from Poland to win a Grand Slam singles title.

“It is crazy,” she said on court after her straight sets win. “Two years ago I won a junior Grand Slam. Right now I am here. It feels like such a short time. I am just overwhelmed.”

Swiatek, who did not drop a set all tournament, was in control throughout the match. She opened strongly, breaking her American opponent’s serve in the first game as she soon opened up a 3-0 lead.

Twenty-one year-old Kenin, this year’s winner of the Australian Open, was able to steady the ship, and leveled the score at three games each.

After lengthy exchanges and her third break point, Swiatek retook the lead and had an opportunity to tie up the first set, but Kenin returned the favor and broke the Pole’s serve.

Swiatek then demonstrated her powerful return game as she made no mistake with her second opportunity at set point to take the first frame 6-4.

The second set saw Swiatek utterly dominate proceedings as she stormed to victory thanks to an aggressive approach.

Kenin, who had to leave the court for a medical time out, had no answer to Swiatek’s relentless power and slew of winners that saw her win five consecutive games.

“I just want to congratulate Iga on a great tournament and a great match,” Kenin said. “You played really well.” EFE-EPA