The French Open 2024 Women’s Singles final is set to deliver an electrifying showdown between defending champion Iga Swiatek and the tournament’s breakout star, Jasmine Paolini. As anticipation builds for this thrilling encounter on the storied clay of Roland-Garros, we explore the remarkable journeys of both players, their head-to-head record, and their preparations for this career-defining match.
Swiatek’s dominance
Iga Swiatek has been a tour de force at this year’s French Open, showcasing her unmatched prowess on clay. The defending champion reaffirmed her superiority by defeating Coco Gauff in the semifinals, marking her 11th victory over the American in 12 meetings. Playing under the open roof of Philippe-Chatrier, Swiatek overcame a break in the second set to secure a 6-2, 6-4 victory.
This win extended Swiatek’s Roland-Garros winning streak to 20 matches, tied with Steffi Graf for the fourth-longest in the tournament’s Open Era history. Since her dramatic second-round comeback against Naomi Osaka, where she saved a match point, Swiatek has dropped just 14 games in her subsequent matches. Her emphatic wins over Anastasia Potapova and Marketa Vondrousova highlighted her lethal form.
Swiatek’s record in finals is equally impressive, with 21 wins in her last 24 finals, including all four WTA 1000 tournaments in 2024. At just 23 years old, she aims for her fourth Roland-Garros title in five years, a feat that would liken her to Rafael Nadal in the eyes of many tennis pundits. Swiatek’s methodical approach and unwavering focus make her a formidable opponent in any final.
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Paolini’s fairy tale run
In stark contrast, Paolini’s journey to the final has been a testament to resilience and self-belief. Paolini saved her best performance for the semi-finals, where she dismantled 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva 6-3, 6-1. Her opponent’s 29 unforced errors significantly aided Paolini, but it was her composure and strategy that sealed the victory.
Paolini’s path to the final has not been without challenges. She endured three grueling three-set matches against top competitors such as Bianca Andreescu, Elina Avanesyan, and Elena Rybakina. Additionally, she has balanced her singles success with a strong doubles performance, reaching the semifinals with partner Sara Errani.
Paolini’s ascent from obscurity to the top ranks is inspiring. From struggling to make the quarterfinals of any major tournament until late 2023, she has transformed her game and mentality. In the past 12 months, she has reached finals in Palermo and Monastir, made a fourth-round appearance at the Australian Open, and won a WTA 1000 title in Dubai. Her climb from outside the top 70 to a top-10 ranking reflects her tenacity and growth.
Head-to-Head
Swiatek and Paolini have faced each other twice before, with Swiatek winning both encounters convincingly. Their last meeting was in the first round of the US Open in 2022. Despite these results, Paolini’s recent form suggests she will be a different opponent this time.
What they said
Swiatek remained cautious and focused. “I need to prepare tactically and see what her game is at now, because for sure she’s had the best season,” she said, acknowledging Paolini’s remarkable improvement.
Paolini, on her part, is embracing the challenge. “I have huge respect for Iga,” she said, “but my goal is to step on court and try to enjoy the match and to play a good match. To step on court and to believe that you can win, it’s a totally different way to see the match.”
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