CHAMP. Iga Swiatek of Poland rejoices after beating Jasmine Paolini in the 2024 Roland Garros Women's Singles Championship on Saturday (June 8, 2024). The Polish star defeated Italy's 12th seed 6-2, 6-1, showcasing her unrivaled prowess on clay courts. (Xinhua photo)
PARIS – Top-seeded Iga Swiatek clinched her third consecutive French Open title, her fifth Grand Slam victory overall, with a dominant straight-set win over Jasmine Paolini on Saturday.
The Polish world No. 1 took just 68 minutes to defeat Italy's 12th seed 6-2, 6-1, showcasing her unrivaled prowess on clay courts.
"I wanted to thank my family and my team. So many difficulties in so many weeks," Swiatek said tearfully.
Swiatek also recalled her second-round match against former world No.1 Naomi Osaka, where she saved a match point to overcome the four-time major winner in a nearly three-hour battle.
"Even though I was really close to being out of it against Naomi, I just survived that match and then played with huge confidence (after)," Swiatek said.
"I'm just proud of myself that I didn't stop and the pressure didn't squeeze me down."
Following that challenge, Swiatek did not drop a single set on her way to the title.
In 2020, Swiatek won her maiden title in Paris, becoming the lowest-ranked champion in the Open era history (at No.54 in the rankings).
Having celebrated her 23rd birthday last week, Swiatek became the third female player in the Open era to win three consecutive French Open titles, joining Monica Seles (1990-1992) and Justine Henin (2005-2007).
Swiatek also became the youngest player in history to claim four Roland-Garros women's singles titles, and the sixth youngest woman in history to claim five Grand Slam singles titles. (Xinhua)
