French Open 2022: Iga Swiatek - "I'm very proud of myself"
Iga Swiatek is aiming for her second Grand Slam title in the final of the French Open on Saturday. The world number one is satisfied with her performance in Paris, regardless of the outcome of the final.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit:
Jun 02, 2022, 08:32 pm
The big hunted seems to live up to their role as favorites: Iga Swiatek could win the French Open for the second time in her career on Saturday and thus once again underpin her current supremacy in women's tennis. The last hurdle will be the Polish Cori Gauff.
"I love playing here and I'm grateful to be able to play in the final again," said Swiatek after her semi-final win over Daria Kasatkina. The 21-year-old surprisingly triumphed in Paris in 2020, but anything but another tournament success this year would almost be a disappointment. At least that was the assessment of numerous experts.
Swiatek dampens expectations
Swiatek himself, on the other hand, is already at peace with himself before the final on Saturday: "You can see that there is a different atmosphere in the Grand Slams and sometimes the favorites lose early. I tried to lower expectations and one day at a time gain weight."
Swiatek managed this in an impressive way, even losing the opening set in her round of 16 game against Zheng Yinwen didn't bother the world number one. "After this game I had the feeling that I had become much freer," explained Swiatek, who only gave up eight games against Jessica Pegula (quarter-finals) and Daria Kasatkina (semi-finals).
Swiatek holds 34 wins in a row
No question: Swiatek more than withstood the great pressure and proved in Paris (so far) once again that she is in a class of her own in women's tennis. 34 wins in a row underline this impression. "I'm very proud of myself," said the Pole after defeating Kasatkina.
Apparently, Swiatek isn't going crazy with the opportunity to win her second major trophy either. "I try to approach every match the same way, regardless of the importance," explained the 21-year-old. "I focus on my tasks."
Here the individual tableau in Roland Garros
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