Everyone expected an unequal fight. It is quite the opposite to which we were entitled. Iga Swiatek has often been shaken by the persistence of Karolina Muchova, but she held on to win her third career title at Roland-Garros.
The first racket in the world had the upper hand in three sets of 6-2, 5-7 and 6-4 in a duel that was more psychological than physical.
Her white uniform stained with clay, the champion was moved after the final point, won on a rare double fault by Muchova. Finally, she was putting an end to this match which saw her overcome a variety of obstacles in front of a stubborn and versatile 43rd player in the world.
“My team members witness that even when we first faced each other [in 2019], I knew we would play tough matches and finals, because I was really struck by your variety [of shots] on the ground, launched Swiatek to the Czech on the podium. I really hope that we will play many more finals. »
On several occasions, Swiatek played nervously, destabilized by the relentlessness of the player in front of her. But each time, she was able to come to her senses and find solutions. That’s what happened in the third set, when she had lost the first eight points and trailed 2-0. The queen of clay came back up the slope to make it 3-2 and, ultimately, go to victory.
Asked by NBC what made the difference in this third round, the Pole hesitated. “Honestly, it was just a matter of belief. It was to get rid of those thoughts about scoring and move on. I gave everything I had. »
At 22, Iga Swiatek is now a four-time Grand Slam champion; a “surreal” figure, as she herself wrote on camera after her victory.
In the stands of the center court appears in large letters a quote from Roland Garros: “Victory belongs to the most tenacious. »
If Karolina Muchova did not leave the field with the victory, it is not for lack of tenacity. The Czech was able to sow doubt in the minds of spectators, fans and, above all, her opponent.
The first round had been to the almost total advantage of Swiatek. The start of the second set, too. Muchova was therefore trailing 3-0 when she finally came out of her torpor. As revived, armed with her undeniable flair to get to the net, she appropriated three games in quick succession.
Suddenly, the spectators explained better their decision to pay a small fortune to attend this confrontation. Quietly, they began to believe in the negligee, who was fighting proudly before their eyes.
Muchova created uncertainty in the head of the world number one by winning the second round; it was the first time that Swiatek lost a round in this tournament.
The match culminated in a third set worthy of a Grand Slam final. The winner was also given a heartfelt ovation when she received her finalist trophy.
“I’m going to do this fast because it’s emotional. It’s incredible. Thank you all,” she blurted out as a tear made its way down her right cheek. “It was so close and yet so far at the same time. It happens when you play against one of the best. »
Even if she does not leave with the big trophy, Muchova has reason to be satisfied with her career in French lands. The 26-year-old made her way to the semi-finals before defeating second seed Aryna Sabalenka in a very tight duel.
She arrived in her first Grand Slam final with many more hours of play in the legs than Swiatek. His lack of consistency and his 38 unforced errors will have cost him the victory, but his dog and his fighting spirit deserve to be applauded.
