CNN
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Iga Świątek His third win French Open In four years with a 6-2 5-7 6-4 victory over unseeded Karolina Muchova in the women’s final on Saturday.
For much of the match, it looked like the world No. 1 would dominate in the same fashion as she did to win her other three Grand Slam titles. After all, Świątek had never lost a set in a Grand Slam final and started with all the power and consistency that has seen him since winning his first French Open title at the age of 19. But has made it so strong. 2020
A set up, and with a 3-0 lead in the second set, Świątek cruised to victory but Muchová began to find her rhythm, making shots that previously flew or fell into the net. , and were apparently breaking the pole at will.
After Świątek narrowly lost the second set, the match lost any shape in the third, as break after break followed and both players scrambled for the decisive moment that would take them to the title at Roland Garros. could go
And in the end it was Świątek who once again confirmed her star credentials, holding her serve under pressure and defending a break point to take a 5-4 lead in the final set before beating Muchová in the next game. Defeated and won his second consecutive French Open title, falling to the ground in celebration.
“I was really impressed with your variety on the court and I really hope we are going to play many more finals,” Świątek told Muchová after an emotional trophy presentation.
“I wouldn’t be here without my team,” she added. “I know we’ve won this tournament, it’s not easy to be on tour for a few weeks without a break. Thanks also to my family, a lot of people who came from Poland, I really feel loved so thank you … I love coming here, basically it’s my favorite place on tour.
It was also a remarkable tournament for Mochuva, before she suffered an unusual scandal when she reached her first appearance in a Grand Slam final, just over a year after being told by some doctors that her tennis might be gone. The career is over. to the extent of his injuries
She had already shown her strength in the tournament, recovering from 2-5 down to face match point against world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals before reeling off five straight games. The win stunned Belarus and reached their first major final.
“Thank you so much. It’s unbelievable,” she tearfully said afterward as the crowd gave her a standing ovation. “It was so close, but so far, that’s what happens when you play one of the best. I also want to thank everyone behind the scenes, the guys who help us in the lockers, the physios, the ball kids. .. And lastly to my team … I feel like I’m a winner when I see these guys so thank you.
At first, Świątek’s strength kept Muchová behind the baseline as she forced several unforced errors under pressure.
But the Czech fought his way into the match after a slow start, showing glimpses of athleticism and exemplary shot selection to see him through to the final. Even forced a break-back point, though Świątek eventually took a 4-1 lead after a series of deuces.
By then the damage was done and shortly after Świątek wrapped up the set.
Initially, it was a similar pattern in the second set with Świątek taking an early lead, Muchova coming close but not quite being able to secure the most decisive points. broke Świątek and backed him up with a hold.
Suddenly, it was 3-3, Muchová won three games in a row, the momentum seemed to shift and the pressure told when Muchová broke Świątek on the next chance to take a 5-4 lead in the second set. Opportunity provided. for decisive.
Although Świątek squandered the opportunity, Muchová engineered a second and won her third set point to take the game to an unexpected third set that went one way and then another before Świątek broke the match. and won her fourth Grand Slam title, and the third woman to win her first four major finals.