Iga Swiatek defeated Jasmine Paolini in straight sets to win the French Open women’s title for the third time in a row — and for the fourth time in her career.
Only two other women have won the title thrice in succession — Monica Seles (1990–1992) and Justine Henin (2005–2007) — since the Open era began in 1968, allowing professionals to compete with amateurs.
Poland’s Swiatek, the world number one, who defeated the Italian twelfth seed Paolini 6-2, 6-1, also won the title in 2020 and then again the last two years, making this her fourth time she has won the French Open.
Swiatek, 23, is the youngest player to win the French Open four times.
This was her fifth Grand Slam triumph overall after her victory at the 2022 US Open.
Paolini, 28, playing in a Grand Slam final for the first time, gave Swiatek an early scare. The world number one trailed by an early break but instantly hit back, winning 11 of the next 12 games to secure victory.
“I love this place, I wait every year to play here,” said Swiatek, who won in just 68 minutes.
Celebrating her victory, she sank to her knees before dancing around the court.
Swiatek has not lost in Paris since 2021.
Congratulating Swiatek in her runners-up speech, Paolini said: “To play you here is the toughest challenge in this sport.
“It’s been an intense 15 days, and today was tough, but I’m really proud of myself.”
Paolini has had a fine season and reached the world’s top 10.
Switek congratulated Paolini: “Congrats for an amazing tournament.
“I’m really impressed how you’ve played these last two weeks, and you can do a lot, especially on clay. I hope we’re going to have many more matches in final rounds.”
(Watch match highlights on YouTube)
Source: BBC