Iga Swiatek won the 2023 French Open as expected, but it took a lot of effort on her part.
The world No. 1 was ahead by a set and 3-0 in the decider when Karolina Muchova came back and took an early lead. Nevertheless, Swiatek showed tenacity by bouncing back once more and winning when Muchova double-failed, giving Swiatek a 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 victory after 2 hours, 46 minutes of riveting clay-court tennis.
Swiatek wins her third French Open title and fourth overall Grand Slam victory, solidifying her position as the top-ranked athlete in the world. She is only the third woman in the Open era to win her first four Slam finals, joining Monica Seles and Naomi Osaka. But it was her first time dropping a set in her four finals.
Muchova lit up this year’s French Open with her variety, storming the net like players past. Muchova is attempting to join a lengthy list of Czech women who have won Grand Slams, including Jana Novotna and Petra Kvitova. And Barbora Krejcikova (the champion two years ago).
When the score was 4-4 in the third set, it appeared that Muchova, 26, may get the advantage. However, at the very last second, her forehand failed her, and a double fault—just her third of the match—gave Swiatek the victory. Swiatek, 22, stumbled to her haunches for a few seconds before accepting Muchova’s compliments.
Swiatek remarked, “I’m feeling all these different feelings right now. Everything is really surreal. The game, though, had a lot of ups and downs and was really stressful. Stressful situations and returning. I’m therefore pleased that I could complete it and play well in the final few games. But Karolina played exceptionally well. It was quite difficult.
Iga Swiatek’s Won Nerve Got Her Over The Line
Swiatek looked to her coaching staff in the audience for motivation after dropping serve in the first game of the third set. Her three previous Grand Slam final victories all came in straight sets, and they were all relatively simple contests. On the contrary, Muchova’s talent pushed her thinking to its absolute limit.
Iga Swiatek won increased her intensity after falling behind 2-0, scaring Muchova away from the goal and eliminating one of the primary factors that had allowed her to rally. Following her comeback for 2-2, Swiatek went behind one more at 4-3 but immediately fought back by crunching her forehand once more. Muchova forced a break point in the eighth game but missed a lob under pressure. Swiatek was able to hold after two forehands into the net, and after Muchova’s forehand failed in the next match, Swiatek won. Spring sports offer a unique and thrilling experience.
Iga Swiatek win was aggressive when she needed it most
When Iga Swiatek won double-failed to lose the third set 1-0, the tension was evident but as champions do, she not only persevered but also stepped up her aggression, just as she had in the first set when Muchova was unable to fully assert herself in the match.
Even though Muchova had a breakpoint at 5-4, she only won 38% of the issues in the final set on her second serve, far below her tournament average. This pressure eventually caught up to her. Smartly attacking the weaker forehand side and dismantling it was Swiatek.
Is Wimbledon The Next Frontier?
Swiatek, 22, has the entire world at her disposal. She has demonstrated that she can win significant championships on hard courts by winning the US Open the previous year. Thus the Australian Open is very much within her reach. Wimbledon may still be the toughest test. In the last year, Swiatek entered Wimbledon as the favorite but quickly ran out of gas. It will come down to confidence and belief once she has healed since this time, she managed her calendar nicely. However, her opponents ought to become cautious because she still needs to develop several aspects of her game, particularly her net play. The Slam championships might really start to pile up once she starts to feel more confident advancing.
“I’m not really looking that far [ahead],” Swiatek admitted. “imply pleased with what has occurred over the past few weeks. I’m not sure what sort of things I’m capable of. Therefore, I’ll put in daily effort to play [my] best game and advance as a player women title. I have no crazy records or objectives for myself. I am aware that maintaining composure is the best course of action for me. I’m making a more significant effort to do that.