LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Iga Swiatek, the world’s top player, defeated Coco Gauff on Wednesday and went on to win, maintaining her perfect record.
Gauff had only won four games of their previous final encounter, and in their prior six meetings, the American had not won a set.
Despite Gauff at least giving the top seed a run for her money in a 6-4, 6-2 loss, the statistic still stands, and she will feel like she could have performed better.
Swiatek said: “I haven’t spent much time on court so I’m happy that today was a tighter match.” She has only lost 15 games in five matches.
She does not want to take an all-or-nothing stance, despite the fact that she is the clear favorite to win the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen once more.
“It’s never like that, honestly, especially at a grand slam,” she said. “I’m pretty happy to be in the semi-final again at Roland Garros. It’s a great achievement no matter how the tournament is going to finish.
READ ALSO: Tennis Player Naomi Osaka Expecting First Child With Boyfriend Cordae
“Especially coming into the tournament as a defending champion, it puts a lot of pressure on you. I’m really happy I can show consistency and just play good here every year.”
Compared to the previous year’s final, Gauff’s opening strategy was to test Swiatek with high, slower balls to her backhand while attempting to prevent the top seed from settling into a pattern.
Gauff easily recovered an early break, and it appeared to be working well—at least until to a point. However, Swiatek raised her game, and her outstanding returning game sealed the set.
Gauff’s huge chance came in the third game of the second set when she generated three break points, the third coming after slamming a point-blank backhand at Swiatek at the net, sending the Pole to the clay as she attempted to escape it.
The American, who was then 19 years old, quickly expressed her regret, but Swiatek ultimately had the last laugh because the American missed all of her open shots.
The two-time winner won four straight games to secure her place in the semifinals, and that would turn out to be the final opening.
Gauff claims that she has struggled during her seven-match losing streak versus Swiatek.
“It’s not fun at all but also, every time I play her, I’m not thinking about the previous record,” said Gauff, who struggled to hold back tears.
“If I go in believing that I lost the match before it already happens then I’m never going to win.
“But obviously when it’s over, yeah, it does suck.”
Toby Haddad Maia became the first Brazilian woman to play in the semi-finals at Roland Garros during the open era by rallying from a set down to upset Ons Jabeur earlier.
READ ALSO: French Open 2023: “I Feel 17” As The New Darling Of The Crowd- Svitolina
The 14th seed once again had work to do after losing the opening set against seventh seed Jabeur after fighting for over four hours to defeat Sara Sorribes Tormo in the fourth round.
Haddad Maia won the tie-break after a very close second period, and the Brazilian dominated the final period to win 3-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-1.
Having never advanced past the fourth round of a Grand Slam, Haddad Maia, 27, appeared completely floored at the moment of victory.
However, she will be hoping to emulate Brazilian grand slam champions Gustavo Kuerten and Maria Bueno by building on her remarkable successes outside of the majors.
“This is tennis, we work all year long to be in these moments,” said Haddad Maia. “I had to be patient, I had to keep doing the shots, because as you said she’s a pretty good player, she’s one of the best players in the world, so I’m pretty happy and proud of me and my team today.”
Despite defeat, Jabeur has set her sights on her next goal – winning Wimbledon.
“I’m hoping to go and get the title really in Wimbledon,” said Jabeur, who will kick off her grass season with tournaments in Berlin and Eastbourne. “I’m dreaming about it. It’s something that I always wanted.”
“Last year was unfortunate because I was very close,” she said. “When I put something in my mind, I know I can do it, so it’s definitely here. Grass season already started in my head.”
