Twenty months ago, an unheralded Iga Swiatek became the lowest-ranked woman to win the French Open. Today, Swiatek won her second French Open as the world’s most dominant tennis player in years, and perhaps for years to come.
The Polish star swept 18-year-old American Coco Gauff 6-1, 6-3, extending her win streak to 35 matches, the longest in women’s tennis since 2000. “This time, I felt the pressure, I felt baggage on my shoulders because I wasn’t an underdog anymore,” said Swiatek, undefeated since ascending to No.
1 after Australian Ash Barty‘s shock retirement in March. “I’m even more proud of that, that I could do it for the second time.” The 23rd-ranked Gauff, the youngest major finalist since Maria Sharapova won 2004 Wimbledon, lost the first four games.
She then took the first two games of the second set before Swiatek seized control for good. Swiatek, 21, extended the most dominant reign in women’s tennis since Serena Williams‘ heyday.