Iga Swiatek received a standing ovation at Roland Garros on Saturday with an emotional "stay strong Ukraine" peace plea after winning her second French Open title.
The 21-year-old Pole was speaking after a 6-1, 6-3 win over Coco Gauff in only 68 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier, equalling Venus Williams' record for the longest winning run by a woman in the 21st century. "I wanted to say something to Ukraine, to stay strong, because the war is still there," said Swiatek who has worn a ribbon in the colours of the Ukraine flag on her cap throughout the tournament.
It's your moment, @iga_swiatek #RolandGarros | pic.twitter.com/NwHIYnGK2L "Since I made my speech in Doha (after winning the tournament in February) it had started and I was hoping when I do the next tournament speech the situation will be better but I will still have hope." Moments later, she told broadcaster NBC: "The war is still there and people are suffering." "Many players have taken off the (Ukraine) ribbons and there is huge discussion about next tournaments and points.
It's not about that but the whole situation there and I want people to be aware." Swiatek consoled 18-year-old Gauff, the youngest woman in a Slam final since Maria Sharapova at Wimbledon in 2004.