Roland Garros | Iga Swiatek wins a second title

Nothing stops Iga Swiatek. Not even a finalist at Roland-Garros.

Jean-Francois Teotonio
The Press

The Pole won the French Open for a second time on Saturday. She made short work of American Cori Gauff in straight sets of 6-1, 6-3.

“When I won the tournament two years ago, it was incredible, recalled the champion on the court after the match, the trophy in hand. I did not expect that. But this year, I worked hard and did everything in my power to be here. It was difficult, the pressure was great. »

It’s a 35^e straight win for Swiatek. The 21-year-old equalizes Venus Williams’ record, set in 2000.

The young American in front of her did not fail to underline this achievement after the confrontation.

“What you have done in recent months has been exceptional, underlined Coco Gauff, addressing her rival with sad eyes, but with a smile on her face. You totally deserve it. I hope we can compete in other finals. And maybe win one, one of these days! »

Expedited

Iga Swiatek’s total domination of the circuit began last February. And does not seem ready to fade at the beginning of June.

The Pole began her demolition work from the outset. She broke the American on her very first service game. Gauff then put up a fine battle to try to keep Swiatek from flying away with a 3-0 lead in the first set, but she would still concede a second break.

The 18-year-old was content with just one game in the first set, snatching to make it 4-1. His opponent did not want to share more of the cake. She broke Gauff a third time to win 6-1 in 32 minutes.

But Cori Gauff is not a finalist at Roland-Garros for nothing. She found new energy in the second set, and broke Swiatek at the start. Then consolidated.

Then, in the time it took to pronounce “Iga”, the Polish reunited at 2-2. She then headed for a break to take a 4-2 lead. She placed balls deep in the field, out of reach for Gauff, with breathtaking precision and pace. And, we imagine, exhausting for the American.

From that moment, the outcome of the match was no longer in doubt. Even Coco Gauff, who still had everything to play for on paper, looked a bit crestfallen. Because even her best shots were no match for the asphyxiating brilliance of the world number one. The latter confirmed her triumph by winning 6-3 in the second set.

It was a third win in as many games for Swiatek ahead of Gauff. And the two players only had good words for each other after the meeting.

“I just told Coco not to cry, and that’s exactly what I’m doing right now,” the champion joked as she stepped onto the stage.

“I want to congratulate you,” she continued. You are doing an excellent job. I see him every month. You are progressing all the time. At your age, it was my first year on the circuit and I had no idea what I was doing. You will find your place, I have no doubt. »