(UPI) — On June 4, UPI reported that No. 1 in the world Iga Swiatek won the French Open women's final 6-1, 6-3 over Cori "Coco" Gauff on Saturday in Paris, claiming her second title at the clay-court Grand Slam competition.
With the triumph, the 21-year-old Polish sensation extended her winning streak to 35 games. Swiatek's unbeaten streak began in February and is tied for the longest in the century with one set by Venus Williams in 2000.Swiatek is the youngest two-time major champion since Maria Sharapova won her second major championship at the 2006 U.S. Open when she was 19 years old. She felt emotional during Poland's national anthem and again at the trophy presentation.
Swiatek, who won the French Open in 2020 when still a teenager and ranked below the top 50, stated, "I just said Coco, 'Don't weep." "And what am I doing right now?" says the narrator.
"Winning this title two years ago was incredible. To be honest, I never expected it. But this time, I feel like I worked hard and did everything I could to get here, despite the fact that it was a difficult journey. The stakes were high."
During her winning speech on Court Philippe Chatrier, Swiatek repeatedly interrupted herself, exclaiming, "Oh, my God." It appears that I still require some experience." She did, however, gather enough of her thoughts to express sympathy for Ukraine, which Russia invaded earlier this year.
Swiatek, who has been putting a blue-and-yellow ribbon on her white cap during matches in support of Ukraine, added, "Stay strong, because the world is still there."Swiatek broke serve immediately away in the final at Roland Garros, lasting only one hour and eight minutes. She was up 3-0 after only 15 minutes and only gave up one set in the first frame.
Gauff, who was playing in her maiden Grand Slam final at the age of 18, broke Swiatek for the only time in the second set and then held to go up 2-0.
Swiatek, on the other hand, adapted and asserted herself, breaking back for a 2-all tie as Gauff continued to make errors. Gauff had more unforced errors (23-16) and fewer winners (14) than Swiatek by the end of the game (18).
Gauff had not dropped a set throughout the tournament and was averaging nearly six breaks per match heading into Saturday's final, but she only earned one break point. Swiatek scored ten points and converted half of them.
The 18th-seeded Gauff, who is 0-3 versus Swiatek, told her opponent, "The previous couple months have genuinely been great and you definitely deserve it." "Hopefully, we'll be able to play each other in future finals, and one of these days, I'll be able to beat you."
Swiatek has won her last six competitions, improving her season record to 42-3. She ascended to the top of the WTA rankings after Ash Barty, a three-time major winner, announced her retirement in March at the age of 25.
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