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Swiatek’s clay reign continues: Parisian queen claims fourth Roland Garros title

Iga Swiatek, the 23-year-old world No. 1, has cemented her status as the undisputed queen of clay with a commanding 6-2, 6-1 victory over Jasmine Paolini in the Roland Garros final.

Por: Alejandro Carrillo June 8, 2024

Swiatek's clay reign continues / Photo via Roland Garros

Comparisons to the legendary Rafael Nadal might be tiresome for Iga Swiatek. Still, after securing her third consecutive Coupe Suzanne Lenglen title, tying Nadal’s perfect record in Roland Garros finals, such comparisons are hard to ignore.

Her overall tally now stands at four Roland Garros titles, leaving fans wondering if she’s already faced her biggest clay-court challenge. Perhaps Maria Sakkari, her conqueror in the 2021 quarterfinals, holds that distinction, but it feels like a distant memory in the face of Swiatek’s current dominance.

While her reign may appear invincible, Swiatek’s Parisian journey wasn’t without its hiccups. A second-round scare against Naomi Osaka saw her trailing 5-2 in the third set, even facing a match point.

But in a display of mental fortitude that would define her tournament, she clawed back to win five consecutive games and ultimately the entire match. This “wake-up call” may have been precisely what she needed to ignite her unstoppable run on clay.

Jasmine Paolini, a debutant at Roland Garros final, deserves credit for her spirited effort. She showcased her talent by stealing two games in the opening set – a minor victory against the clay-court queen. However, the gulf in class was undeniable.

A Parisian clay coronation

Swiatek, a force of nature on the red surface, dominated with ten winners in the first set compared to Paolini’s three. While Paolini committed fewer unforced errors, Swiatek’s relentless pressure forced her into a staggering 12 “forced errors,” leaving her with little room to maneuver.

The scoreline paints only part of the picture. By the time Swiatek secured a crucial break for a 4-2 lead in the first set, any early jitters had evaporated.

From that point on, it was pure dominance. She closed out the set with a love hold, leaving Paolini with little hope in the second set. Paolini’s lone highlight was saving a break point in the second set, but the game ultimately went Swiatek’s way.

Swiatek’s victory extends her winning streak to three consecutive prestigious clay-court tournaments: Madrid, Rome, and now Roland Garros. The Parisian clay seems to hold a special magic for the young champion.

With her seemingly unstoppable form, it’s difficult to predict when, or if, her reign on the red surface will end. The future of women’s clay-court tennis appears to be firmly in the hands of the formidable Iga Swiatek.

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Swiatek’s clay reign continues: Parisian queen claims fourth Roland Garros title

A Parisian clay coronation

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A Parisian clay coronation

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