Naomi Osaka zdradza, jak Iga Świątek „zdziałała cuda” dla niej

Iga Swiatek digs deep to fend off Naomi Osaka in three-set French Open classic
World No 1 saves match point on Osaka’s serve in third set
Swiatek defeats Osaka 7-6 (1), 1-6, 7-5 in second round

As Iga Swiatek took her first steps on the WTA tour in 2019, one of her early breakthrough tournaments in Toronto culminated in a meeting with Naomi Osaka.

Back then Osaka was at the height of her powers and Swiatek an 18-year-old rookie, but they battled as equals and Osaka narrowly won. Both players departed the court recognising each other as both new rivals and kindred spirits.

This time as the challenger, Osaka played a spectacular match and came within a point of a stunning upset but Swiatek demonstrated her supreme resilience by recovering to reach the third round of the French Open with an incredible 7-6 (1), 1-6, 7-5 win.

“It’s much more intense for the second round than I ever expected,” said Swiatek. “Naomi played amazing tennis, sometimes risking a lot. Maybe she’s gonna be a clay court specialist. I’m happy that she’s back and she’s playing well.”

With her victory, Swiatek’s bid for a third consecutive French Open title and fourth overall remains alive. While she has built a reputation for her tendency to destroy her opponents, the world No 1 has also shown that she has become one of the most durable and mentally tough players on the tour.

Three weeks after she saved three match points to defeat Aryna Sabalenka in the final of the Madrid Open, Swiatek once again found a way through.