Numbers are very important in the world of tennis. Those of Iga Swiatek to the Roland Garros – in general on clay – they describe a clear dominance that is difficult to counter. The Pole has won three times in Paris: in 2020, 2022 and 2023.
Swiatek is a two-time reigning champion and has therefore opened a streak of twenty consecutive successes in the French Slam; while the victories in a row on clay this year are eighteen. The queens of the WTA Tour triumphed in Madrid and Rome: the goal is to complete a historic hat-trick.
Numbers, considering the 23rd birthday of last May 31st, which have led several experts to make a comparison – which perhaps still appears risky – with Rafael Nadal.
Swiatek: “I haven’t seen Paolini’s matches.
Comparison with Nadal? We’ll see in 14 years”
“We’ll see in 14 years if my career will be similar to his. Entering into this discussion is already a very positive thing from my point of view. I don’t expect anyone to compare me to Rafa, because he is an absolute legend.
We’ll see in a few years, but I’m very proud of myself”, replied Swiatek humbly in the press conference. “I usually realize what I achieved at the end of the tournament. Sometimes it’s hard not to think about what’s at stake because of the atmosphere in these games, so I’m not used to it.
It’s not routine. On the other hand, I am very focused on work and my tennis, I transform these two factors into a routine because for me it is the simplest thing.” In the last act of Roland Garros, the Warsaw native will find the other side of the net Jasmine Paolini.
The Italian made history by reaching the first Slam final in her career. Swiatek and Paolini have challenged each other twice: the Pole won without worries both on the clay of Prague in 2018 and in the US Open in 2022.
“We played each other a long time ago, so I have to prepare tactically and study his current game. He is having his best season, so something will have changed. I haven’t seen his matches, so I can’t say much more.
I will try to focus on myself and prepare from a tactical point of view to try to be consistent”, concluded Swiatek.
