08 June,2024 07:47 AM IST | Paris | AFP
Iga Swiatek. Pics/Getty Images
Iga Swiatek goes into Saturday's French Open final as the overwhelming favourite in her quest for a third successive Roland Garros title against surprise challenger Jasmine Paolini of Italy. Swiatek, the World No. 1 from Poland, is attempting to become the fourth woman in the Open era to lift the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen four times - after Justine Henin, Chris Evert and Steffi Graf.
Rafael Nadal
Only two have won the French Open three years in a row - Henin (2005-07) and Monica Seles (1990-92) - but Swiatek's supremacy on the clay in Paris has attracted comparisons with Rafael Nadal, winner of 14 men's titles and who holds a 112-4 record at Roland Garros. "We'll see in 14 years if the journey is similar. That's obviously really nice for me," said Swiatek.
Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024 | "Pathetic performance": Akram slams Pakistan following the loss vs USA
ALSO READ
Alcaraz misses out as Zverev and Ruud complete semis field
Svensson takes a 1-stroke lead over Olesen and Bairstow at French Open
Slow start for Shubhankar in French Open golf
Rafael Nadal’s Top 3 memorable Grand Slam finals
Veteran French tennis player Richard Gasquet to retire after French Open
âHe's a total legend'
"I would never expect anybody to compare me to Rafa because for me he's above everybody, and he's a total legend. We'll see in couple of years, but I'm proud of myself that I'm playing consistently here and that I'm mentioned in the same sentence as Rafa. That's cool."
The 23-year-old Swiatek has won all four of her previous Grand Slam finals and will bid to extend that run against Paolini. Paolini is the first Italian woman through to a Grand Slam final since Flavia Pennetta beat Roberta Vinci to win the 2015 US Open.
Italy's Jasmine Paolini
Paolini continued her dream fortnight at Roland Garros by following up her singles semi-final victory by reaching the women's doubles final on Friday.
Two finals for Paolini
Paolini and fellow Italian Sara Errani fought back from a set down to defeat Marta Kostyuk and Elena-Gabriela Ruse 1-6, 6-4, 6-1.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
