10 June 2023 , 16:05
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Iga Swiatek has won her third French Open title after beating a spirited Karolina Muchova in three sets.
The world number one was the overwhelming favourite to win her fourth Grand Slam but was made to battle, ultimately winning out 6-2 5-7 6-4. Swiatek, who lifted the title in 2020 and 2022, quickly assumed control of the final winning the first set 6-2.
And the second looked to be following the same pattern as the Pole ran into a 3-0 lead in the second, only for Muchova to finally find her feet. Appearing in her first ever slam final, she broke Swiztek’s serve for the first time to bring the scores back to 3-3 before moving into a 5-4 lead on the back of a double fault from her illustrious opponent.
After spurning the first chance to level the match in sets, she did so at the second attempt, winning 7-5 to increase the chances of a massive upset. Muchova broke early in the third with Swiatek looking tight and tense on the other side of the net.
However, the now three-time champion regained her cool, levelled the set and ultimately broke her resistance to clinch the final set 6-4. At just 22, Swiatek has the world at her feet, becoming the youngest female player to win four Grand Slam titles since the great Serena Williams.
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“I think Swiatek will win double digit Slams,” ex-British number one Greg Rudesdski told BBC Radio 5 Live. “Will she get to what Serena Williams achieved? I don't think so but this is what the women's game needs.
“There's so many great players around her. She is a dominant force but they are all getting better. They are forced to because of how good Swiatek is.”
Swiatek is now a three-time French Open championAnnabel Croft added: “Swiatek was extremely impressive how well she handled those difficult moments against an opponent that was so inspired. Muchova hit this golden patch and looked unplayable at times. Swiatek staying mentally strong was admirable. It turned into a memorable match.”
Swiatek said: "Thank you to my family as well and there have been so many people that have come from Poland that I really feel the love, so thank you too.
"I know I have said every year it is not about the performance but I really love being here - basically it's my favourite place on tour so thank you to everybody, tournament organisers, sponsors, people who are working behind the scenes, you make this tournament so great for us that it is always a pleasure to come back and just give 100%.
"I want to thank you guys for coming and giving us so much energy - it was so loud today and for the semi-finals too, incredible really. I hope next year the atmosphere is going to be even better."