French Open 2023: Iga Swiatek exclusive - Champion reflects on third triumph at Roland-Garros

Winning in Paris might seem to come easily to Iga Swiatek, who has now lifted the trophy at Roland-Garros an incredible three times at just 22 years of age. But she was made to work hard for her moment of triumph this time around, with Karolina Muchova the first player to take a set off the Pole in any of her Grand Slam finals to date.

Swiatek looked far more overcome with emotion at match point than she did last year, clutching her face in disbelief before dissolving into tears and dropping to her knees. After congratulating her opponent, she made straight for her player box, the tears still flowing, to celebrate her win with her family.

Ad The Pole sat down with Eurosport’s Mats Wilander after the trophy celebration, and it was clear that her fourth Grand Slam title meant that little bit more to her, such were the difficulties she faced both in the match, and after a difficult start to the year. Roland-Garros'It was a really emotional final' — Swiatek tells Wilander how 'proud' she is after triumph2 HOURS AGO “I just feel really proud of myself as these weeks weren’t easy, like in today’s final with a lot of up and downs, but I’m just really happy I could keep my discipline, keep my focus and go for it, and I’m really proud of myself,” Swiatek told Eurosport.

“It was a pretty emotional final. Some finals that I have played they were kind of one way, so in terms of that and handling the pressure and what’s at stake — even though you try not to think about it, it’s at the back of your mind — this was the toughest one.” For much of the match on Saturday, Swiatek looked to be sailing towards the title.