19-year-old Iga Swiatek from Poland won the 2020 French Open women’s singles title, becoming the first Polish player to ever win a singles Grand Slam title. Interestingly, she did not drop a single set en route to her first career title.
She beat the reigning Australian Open champion, Sofia Kenin from USA 6-4, 6-1 on Court Philippe-Chatrier to become the youngest French Open champion since Rafael Nadal in 2005. At 19 years and 132 days, Swiatek is also the youngest woman to win French Open since Monica Seles, who was 18 years, 187 days in 1992.
In winning the Roland Garros, Swiatek created quite a few records in her name. For instance, she became only the second unseeded woman in the Open Era to win the French Open after Jelena Ostapenko in 2017. Ranked 54, Swiatek also became the lowest-ranked woman to win the Roland Garros since 1975. Further, Swiatek is the only second Polish woman to reach the final at Roland Garros after Jadwiga Jedrzejowska in 1939.
Success at the French Open is not new to Swiatek, however: in 2018, she won the girls’ doubles title with Caty McNally.
“I don’t know what’s going on. I’m so happy. I’m so happy my family was here finally. I don’t know. It was overwhelming for me,” said an overwhelmed Swiatek after her landmark victory.
“I’ve watched Rafa (Nadal) lift the trophy so many times. It’s crazy I’m in the same place. I want to thank all the fans who are watching in Poland. I know it’s pretty crazy back there,” she added.
Will Swiatek’s win usher a new era in women’s tennis? Do let us know what you think in the comments section below.
