After coming dangerously close to losing in the second round of the French Open, Iga Swiatek expressed her gratitude to the spectators for providing her with the confidence she needed to win the match.
The top-ranked player in the world defeated Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-1 on Saturday to win her fourth title at Roland Garros and her third consecutively.
She did, however, come dangerously close to losing the championship early against Naomi Osaka, but she made an amazing recovery.
In the decisive set, Swiatek overcame a 5-2 deficit thanks to a match point save against the former world number one, winning 7-5 and securing the trophy.
She now trails only Monica Seles as the only player in the Open Era to have won every one of her first five Grand Slam singles matches.
Swiatek lost just 11 games overall from the round of 16 onwards her route to winning the championship, but after her victory, she claimed that the Paris audience had given her more confidence.
“I appreciate your support even though I was on the verge of elimination in the second round. I have to have faith that this might happen. It has been a very emotional competition. I appreciate your help.
“I would not be here today if it weren’t for my family and my team. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who helped make this tournament possible.”
Along with competing in her first Grand Slam final, Paolini and her partner Sara Errani advanced to the doubles final on Sunday.
Swiatek wished her luck in her next display and showered her opponent with compliments.
She said, “Congrats on an incredible tournament.”
“I’ve been incredibly impressed with your playing over the past two weeks. I hope there are a lot more games in the championship round.”
