Even as she celebrated a third French Open title in a row and fourth overall, Iga Swiatek’s thoughts were turning across the Channel.
It was after winning his fourth title at Roland Garros that Rafael Nadal claimed his first Wimbledon — and the challenge for Swiatek is to follow in her idol’s footsteps.
For a player of her talents, the world No 1’s record at Wimbledon is modest. Last year’s quarter-final finish was her best yet.
‘I had ideas like doing pre-season on grass so I can learn how to play there,’ said Swiatek. ‘Last year’s result was pretty nice. I feel like every year it’s easier for me to adapt to grass. But for sure it’s a huge challenge.’
Beaten finalist Jasmine Paolini was a runner-up again yesterday as she and Sara Errani lost to Coco Gauff and Katerina Siniakova in the women’s doubles.
Iga Swiatek beat Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-1 in a demolition to win her third French Open title
The Polish world No 1 has set her sights on winning Wimbledon for first time next month
It felt appropriate that tournament director Amelie Mauresmo’s concluding press conference clashed with that doubles final — women’s tennis has been given a shoddy deal by the schedule this year.
Eleven out of 11 prime-time night sessions were men’s matches and 11 out of 11 of the poorly-attended morning slots were women’s.
