Swiatek beats Sabalenka to win in Rome!
Iga Swiatek continues to make history. Bluffingly serene, she perfectly managed a match that had all the makings of becoming one hell of a quagmire. Unperturbed, she accelerated when needed to win in Rome. Assuming her status more than ever, Swiatek must be starting to create cold sweats in the minds of many players.
After a first set in which the Pole dominated the proceedings (6-2), the match could have become much more complex. Aryna Sabalenka started the second act at a very high level, taking the ball very early and constantly attacking the world number 1. Trapped behind her baseline, Swiatek was exceptionally realistic, saving all 7 break points her opponent had. Biding her time, she took advantage of her opponent's slight slump to win the last 4 games of the match (6-2, 6-3 in 1h28).
At just 22, Swiatek continues to build her legend. Crowned in Rome just after Madrid, all without losing a set, she has now achieved an unthinkable double. She's only the third player to do so, and the first since Serena Williams in 2013.
It's only logical that she should arrive in Paris as the ultra-favorite. With so many years still ahead of her, the right-hander will have the opportunity, in just over a week's time, to go for a 4th French Open title.
Her rivals have been warned: Swiatek is almost unplayable on clay!
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