Iga Swiatek became the first woman in 17 years to win three consecutive editions of Roland Garros as the world number one continued her perfect record in Grand Slam finals with a straight-sets win over Jasmine Paolini in the French Open 2024 decider.
Italian Paolini broke in the third game of the match but then lost 10 games in a row in a 6-2 6-1 procession for the physically dominant Swiatek.
The 23-year-old has now won four of the last five editions and matched Justine Henin’s hat-trick of triumphs between 2004 and 2007.
Paolini showed spirit in her final service game to avoid a second-set whitewash but was overwhelmed in her first major final, having never previously progressed beyond the second round in Paris.
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Swiatek: French Open 2024 champion
Swiatek dropped one set throughout the tournament, although that came in a tough test against four-time Grand Slam title winner Naomi Osaka in her second match.
The pole took the deciding set against Osaka 7-5 and did not look back, hammering Anastasia Potapova 6-0 6-0 in the fourth round and knocking out third seed Coco Gauff in the semi-finals.
“I was almost out in the second round,” said Swiatek, who has also won the US Open once, in 2022.
“I needed to believe that this one was going to be possible. It’s been a really emotional tournament.”
The sweetest kiss 😘 🏆 #RolandGarros PIC.TWITTER.COM/B7HG4YRZOW
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) JUNE 8, 2024
Paolini: ‘Tough’ v Swiatek
Appearing a little flustered, Swiatek was sure to wish Paolini luck in the women’s doubles final she will contest with Sara Errani on Sunday.
“I played at a really high level of tennis,” Paolini told Eurosport of her campaign. “It was full of emotion for me.
“There are some really nice memories to take home but it was tough [in the final] against a magnificent player.
“I’d have been very happy if you’d have told me I’d have reached the final. I’d have been very surprised.”
