"This tournament shows there's hope for me on grass," says Swiatek after her Bad Homburg final defeat
Facing Pegula in the Bad Homburg final, Swiatek fell in straight sets after a hard-fought match (6-4, 7-5). Still seeking her first grass-court title, the player nonetheless had a promising week, as reflected in her post-match comments:
"First, I want to congratulate Jessica: you played an incredible match and performed well throughout the tournament. It was a big challenge and a pleasure to compete against you. I hope we'll play more finals together in the future. Congratulations also to your team for their outstanding work.
Thank you as well to the tournament organizers—this is a place where I feel good and can focus on tennis. This tournament shows there's hope for me on grass. So I'm very happy to have played here. Thank you to the crowd and to the Polish fans who are always here. I hope to return next year."
Indeed, the 24-year-old defeated Azarenka, Alexandrova, and then 2024 Wimbledon finalist Paolini to reach the final. Thanks to this week's performance, she will re-enter the WTA top 5 rankings.
Bad Hombourg
The paradox dividing tennis: exhausted players and a saturated calendar, yet ever more exhibitions
Training future champions: spotlight on the decline of the French public model facing private academies
Is padel threatening tennis? Inside the revolution shaking up the established order
Features - Saudi Arabia, injuries, war, and business: the fascinating underbelly of tennis revealed by TennisTemple