French Open: Iga Swiatek completes hat-trick of titles after beating Jasmine Paolini

World No.1 Iga Swiatek won the French Open 2024 women’s singles title after beating Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in straight sets in the final. On Saturday, June 8.

The Pole won 6-2, 6-1 against her Italian opponent in an hour and 8 minutes at Philippe-Chatrier. She also became the third female player in the Open Era after Monica Seles and Justine Henin to win the title in 3 successive years.

Seles achieved the landmark from 1990-92 while Henin accomplished the feat from 2005-2007. With her fourth championship at Roland Garros, Swiatek is nearing the legendary Chris Evert’s tally of most French Open women’s singles title (7). She became the first woman to win any Grand Slam 3 years in a row since the legendary Serena Williams.

The 23-year-old Swiatek also became the youngest ever to win 4 women’s singles titles at Roland Garros. She broke the record of Henin, who achieved the feat at the age of 25.

Iga Swiatek comes back from behind
In the first set, Paolini threatened to take the match way from Swiatek with an early break of serve. But from there on, Swiatek earned 2 breaks and closed out the set, coming back from behind. The second set turned out to be a completely one-sided affair as Swiatek converted 2 break points to take a 5-0 lead. Although Paolini held her serve, it was only to delay the inevitable.

Overall, Swiatek dominated with 18 winners compared to Paolini’s 7. Conceding the early break was a wake-up call for Swiatek, who did not look back from there on. Swiatek also won her fifth Grand Slam, which also includes the 2022 US Open title.

As far as Paolini is concerned, she has reasons to cheer as she is set to break into the top 10 of the WTA rankings. She will be the new World No.1 after beating the likes of Elena Rybakina and 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva.