Will Iga reign in Paris once again?

As Swiatek eyes her third consecutive title, she considers it cool to be mentioned in same ‘sentence’ as Rafael Nadal

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. 

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‘He’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.

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