At only 21, victory over Coco Gauff in Saturday’s final at Roland Garros would be likely to herald an era of dominance
In the last notable tournament before the French Open began, Iga Swiatek won her fifth title in as many tournaments at the Italian Open. It was a result expected by all, but even so as Ons Jabeur’s final backhand struck the net Swiatek fell to her knees and sobbed into the clay.
The tears from Swiatek were no dramatic expression of her joy, but rather the instant release of nerves, of tension, of being reminded a dozen times each day of her winning streak, all on top of her own lofty expectations. If that is what it took out of her to win Italian Open, it is hard to imagine the effort it has taken to remain composed for six matches under grand slam pressure and move to the French Open final again.
