Swiatek Aims to Join Elite Group with Fourth French Open Title Bid

Iga Swiatek, 22, is set to begin her defense of the French Open title next week, aiming to join an exclusive group of players who have won the Suzanne Lenglen Cup four times. Since the start of the Open Era in 1968, only Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, and Justine Henin have achieved this feat at Roland Garros. Given her current form, few would bet against Swiatek adding her name to this prestigious list by June 8th.

Having recently secured consecutive titles at the WTA 1000 events in Madrid and Rome, the world number one enters Paris on a 12-match winning streak. She is chasing her fourth French Open title in five years.

Tennis Full Results | Schedule

Additionally, Swiatek is aiming for a rare ‘Triple Crown’—winning the Madrid, Rome, and Paris titles in the same season—a feat last achieved by Serena Williams in 2013.

“She lives to play on clay… She’s playing really well, so it’s going to be tough to beat her,” said twice Rome champion Elina Svitolina to the WTA.

American legend Martina Navratilova highlighted why Swiatek is such a dominant force on clay.

“She’s been Chris Evert-like. That topspin drives you nuts and I think she moves as good as anybody. Clay, she’s got that down to perfection, the sliding and the movement and recovery,” said the 18-time Grand Slam champion to the WTA.

“Just wears you out from the baseline, playing aggressive. She’s got the consistency and the major wins. That’s why she’s been number one for so long. Paris is the perfect venue for her game.”

Swiatek recently left world number two Aryna Sabalenka pondering what it takes to beat her Polish rival. Swiatek saved three championship points to defeat Sabalenka in the Madrid final and then triumphed again in their Italian Open final clash, winning 6-2, 6-3 to claim the 21st title of her career.

Unsurprisingly, Swiatek feels more confident heading into Roland Garros this year compared to last year when a thigh injury forced her to withdraw from the Italian Open during the quarter-final against Elena Rybakina.

“I feel like I’m in a different place. I’m still focusing on the same things but I remember last year I was more nervous and more stressed. I felt more pressure. This time I’m kind of using the way I feel to just enjoy everything more,” Swiatek said.

“I just want to stay in my rhythm, stay in my zone, be focused.”

She acknowledges the target on her back but is prepared for the challenge.

“I’m number one so I’m the favourite everywhere if you look at rankings. But rankings don’t play, so … I’ll do everything step by step and we’ll see.”