Tennis legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova handled the ceremonial duties for the trophy presentation at Roland Garros. Evert, a seven-time champion at the French Open, and Navratilova, who won the singles title in 1982 and 1984, along with seven women’s doubles and two mixed doubles titles, added to the occasion’s gravitas.
“It’s been an intense 15 days, but I’m really proud of myself,” Paolini said.
When it was Swiatek’s turn to address the crowd, she struggled initially with the echo of her own voice in the still-packed stadium. “I want to thank my team, my family. It’s not easy to play so many weeks. It’s amazing to be here. I wait every year to come back here, and thank you…” She paused again, seeking tips from Evert. “I was almost out of the tournament in the second round, so thank you for believing in me. I needed to believe this was possible.” After another pause, she concluded, “OK, I won’t bore you anymore.”
Thus, the women’s singles title went to where many had predicted before the tournament began: firmly in Swiatek’s hands. This marks her continued reign at Roland Garros.
During the changeover at the end of the first set, Paolini looked bewildered while Swiatek was doing shadow swings on the baseline, ready to wrap things up quickly. Swiatek raced through the opening game and forced two break points on Paolini’s serve. Despite the crowd’s chants of “Jas, Jas, Jas!” Paolini’s loose serving and a wild forehand saw Swiatek break immediately to take a 2-0 lead.
Swiatek’s experience was evident. While this was Paolini’s first Grand Slam final, her best previous run being the fourth round at the Australian Open earlier this year, Swiatek was in familiar territory. By this stage, Paolini had hit just four winners to Swiatek’s 12 and accumulated 30 errors compared to Swiatek’s 17. Swiatek held to love in the next game and then broke Paolini again to take a commanding 4-0 lead.
Swiatek’s fans, celebrating “Iga’s Bakery” in honor of her numerous “bagels” (winning a set 6-0), anticipated another. Although Paolini rallied in the fifth game, she couldn’t break Swiatek. With the match under an hour, Swiatek was one game away from the title. Paolini managed to hold serve, much to the crowd’s delight, but Swiatek served out for the championship.
As Paolini’s forehand sailed long, Swiatek fell to her knees, having secured another French Open title in just 68 minutes. Swiatek now joins the ranks of Monica Seles (1990-92) and Justine Henin (2005-07) with three consecutive French Open titles, showing no signs of slowing down.
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