Iga Swiatek: A Dominant Force in the World of Women's Tennis in 2022

The Phillipe-Chatrier court greeted two of the most promising stars of the tennis world, for the finals of the women’s draw. World No.1 Iga Swiatek once again walked on the red carpet of the Roland Garros to face teen sensation Coco Gauff. 

Swiatek extended her record of winning consecutive games to 35, a record held previously by Venus Williams. This is her second Grand Slam title, her first being in 2020 making her the first Polish player to win a Grand Slam. 

Cori Gauff reached her first Grand Slam finals without dropping a set in the entire tournament. 

This is the youngest women’s finals since Martina Hingis aged 16 was defeated by Iva Majoli aged 19 in the 1997 French Open finals. Iga Swiatek (21) and Coco Gauff (18) have a combined age of 39.

Iga Swiatek: Game Analysis

The World No. 1 was aggressive from the beginning. Keeping her serves and forehands deadly and her backhand constant, Iga Swiatek kept her opponent on her toes. The Polish player was aggressive on Gauff’s second serve which proved to be her “chink in her armour”.

Swiatek kept calm and balanced even after her serve was broken in the very first game of the second set. Her innate ability to find a solution and put everything in perspective to any problem is what makes her a deadly opponent

Coco Gauff: Game Analysis

For an 18-year-old Gauff, she showed remarkable maturity which was reflected in her game on the court. 

Even though clay is not one of her best surfaces, the World No. 18 looked relaxed, determined and absolutely in control of her game. The American player adapted easily to the surface movements with effortless efficiency. 

Gauff’s control of her groundstrokes is remarkable for a player of her age. Her focus on continuing the rallies is what helps her construct and finish a point in her favour.

Iga Swiatek: Breaking Records

After being defeated by Jelena Ostapenko in the last 16 of the Doha Open this February, Swiatek has been on an exceptional journey, which has seen her win six consecutive tournaments. 

With her win at the French Open, Iga Swiatek has become the youngest woman since Maria Sharapova in 2006 to win multiple majors and the first woman since Justine Henin in 2004 to win a major after becoming World No 1 in women's tennis.

Looking at her records and performance till the French Open, Iga Swiatek has kept her promise of stunning the tennis world and there is no doubt that she will continue to do so. 

Keeping the balls away from her opponents, cutting the court and having a strong defence as well as offence is what makes her a World No.1. And after winning the French Open she has sealed any chances of stepping down.