Unseeded Muchova out to spoil Swiatek's party in French Open final

Swiatek, the title holder, faces an unexpected hurdle in the final with the unseeded Czech having defied injuries and the odds to book her first Grand Slam final spot.

The 22-year-old Pole remains the overwhelming favourite, having unlocked the secrets of the Paris clay with a modern game that includes aggressive play, superb movement and a perception and anticipation of the ball that is second to none.

She has confirmed her status as the world's top player, having also lifted the US Open title last year.

With an ability to fire off winners even under extreme pressure, Swiatek has few real challengers in the women's game at the moment.

She is not the muscled athlete that Williams was, but what she lacks in raw power she makes up with pure athleticism, with her game having earned the nickname 'Iga's bagel factory', for her ability to dominate matches and win sets without her opponent getting on the scoreboard.

On Saturday, however, she faces a different puzzle from the ones she is used to solving on the tour week in week out.

The 26-year-old Muchova, whose career has been plagued by injuries, stunned the tennis world by defeating world number two Aryna Sabalenka in three sets after saving a match point in their semi-final on Thursday.

That was where the world got to really see what her game is all about.

It is not one based on baseline power which has long dominated the sport.

"I really like her game, honestly," said Swiatek of her opponent, who beat the Pole in their one encounter back in 2019.

"I really respect her, and she's a player who can do anything, She has great touch. She can also speed up the game."

"She plays with that kind of freedom in her movements and has a great technique. So I watched her matches and I