France's Iga Swiatek defeated Karolina Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 in the women's singles final at Roland Garros on June 11.
In her third Roland Garros final, Swiatek won nine of the first 11 games. However, the title did not come as easily to the world number one as it did when she defeated Coco Gauff 6-1, 6-3 last year. Muchova fought back strongly to win the second set and then lead 2-0 in the third. But at the crucial moment, the Czech player could not overcome the psychological pressure. Muchova lost the decisive serve game, accepting defeat after two hours and 47 minutes.
Swiatek has won all three of his Roland Garros finals. Photo: AFP
Muchova, who exited Roland Garros in the third round last year in a wheelchair, is considered by former player Mats Wilander to have the most complete skill set in women's tennis. But the world No. 43 did not show much in the first set, in her first Grand Slam final. She lost her first and last serve games, losing 2-6 in the first set.
It was only when she was down 0-3 in the second set that Muchova showed why she had won all five previous encounters with the world's top three. The Czech player returned with confidence to level the score at 3-3, attacking well with both her forehand and backhand and defending tenaciously with her low slices. Muchova's high form forced Swiatek to commit several unforced errors. At 6-5 and serving at 40-40, Muchova delivered her best play of the match, hitting a winner from the net before winning the second set 7-5.
The pressure was on defending champion Swiatek when she lost the game in the first set of the third set and was down 0-2. Despite winning three games in a row, the Polish player continued to lose her serve and let Muchova lead 4-3. The class and mettle of the world number one was shown at the right time, when she won the return game to level the score at 4-4 and then saved a break-point in the next game. Down 4-5, Muchova entered game 10 with a heavy mentality, continuously making mistakes herself. At the first match-point that had to be saved, the Czech player made a double fault, handing the championship to her opponent.
Swiatek cried tears of joy after winning the title, after an unexpectedly difficult match. "Ever since I first met Muchova in 2019, I knew we would have to play tough finals," Swiatek said of her opponent. "I was impressed with her versatility and hope we can go far together and have many more finals."
Muchova (right) congratulates Swiatek after the deciding point in the Roland Garros final. Photo: AP
Swiatek won her fourth Grand Slam title, and her third Roland Garros title, after winning in 2020 and 2022. After presenting the Polish player with the award, former player Chris Evert - a seven-time Roland Garros champion - told Eurosport that Swiatek will win many more Grand Slams, because she hits the ball harder and harder than many male players.
Muchova will be in the world top 20 and is expected to continue to shine at Wimbledon thanks to her ability to serve, play at the net and drop shots. In a career affected by many injuries, Muchova has reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open 2021 and the quarter-finals of Wimbledon twice.
Nhan Dat
Source link
Comment (0)