After a memorable final, Swiatek was inspired by Nadal: "Rafa had a few matches like that".

Elio Valotto

le 05/05/2024 à 12h18

2 min to read

Madrid Medvedev Nadal Roland Garros Sabalenka Swiatek

After a heroic battle lasting over 3 hours (7-5, 4-6, 7-6 in 3h11), Iga Swiatek finally clinched her twentieth career title. The world number 1, who had to fight off three match points, scored one of the finest victories of her young career. Faced with an impressive Aryna Sabalenka, the Pole came close to reliving last year's disillusionment when she lost in the final (already to the world number 2).

Very discreet on court, Swiatek made no secret of her delight at the end of the match. Falling to the ground on the Madrid clay court, she couldn't hide her tears. Savouring her success, the world number 1 ironically put the most fervent detractors of women's tennis in their place. Speaking to the audience after the match, she declared: "Well, who's going to say that women's tennis is boring now, is it? Given the level of play on offer from the two protagonists in this immense duel, we can only agree with her.

Looking back on this magnificent victory, the 22-year-old didn't hold back her joy: "I'm very proud of myself and very happy, because when you play matches like this and have to fight so hard, it makes things even more beautiful. [...] I think it's the most intense and crazy final I've ever played in. (comments relayed by L'Equipe).

Asked how she managed to keep her composure in such a difficult match, Iga confesses to thinking of Rafael Nadal: "I felt like I had to fight for two hours and it didn't really work. I was thinking: 'Oh, God, am I going to feel a bit more relaxed soon? It wasn't really, but after two hours it was. It surprised me. [...] One thing that came to mind was that I think Rafa has had a few matches like that. But I remember exactly when he played Medvedev in Australia (Australian Open 2022 final, won by the Spaniard in 5 sets 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5) and something clicked. [...] It gave me hope that maybe something would click, even after two hours."

In any case, the world number 1 has secured another prestigious victory and is already building up her momentum ahead of Roland Garros.