Iga Swiatek Compares Elena Rybakina’s Level in the First Set to Jannik Sinner After Their Exciting Roland Garros Clash

Iga Swiatek saw off Elena Rybakina in a rather tough encounter in the fourth round of Roland Garros.

Iga Swiatek Compares Elena Rybakina’s Level in the First Set to Jannik Sinner After Their Exciting Roland Garros Clash

Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner (via X/The Tennis Letter/Jannik Sinner HQ)

Iga Swiatek kept her hopes of defending the French Open title alive as she came from behind to beat Elena Rybakina in a titanic clash in the fourth round. It was the Polish star’s 25th consecutive win at the French Open. She revealed after the win that her opponent played like Jannik Sinner in the first set.

Swiatek looked in danger early on Sunday (June 1) during her encounter against Rybakina. The World No.5 racked up 27 unforced errors in the first nine games, while the Kazakhstan star dazzled in fine fashion, hitting with pace and making life difficult for the Polish star on the court. She led 6-1, 2-0, and was gearing towards a win.

However, after a toilet break, Swiatek was a different player. She broke the former Wimbledon champion in the fourth game of the second set before staving off three break points in the fifth game and turning the set around. In the third set, Rybakina drew the first blood and was looking to sustain her composure before Swiatek leveled 3-3.

She broke to take the lead 4-3 in the deciding set but was quickly pegged back as Rybakina took a 5-4 lead. It was at that time that Swiatek showed her mental strength as she won the three final games to seal a hard-fought victory against the 2022 Wimbledon champion 1-6, 6-3, 7-5 in 2 hours and 30 minutes.

During Swiatek’s on-court interview, she was asked why she didn’t play well in the first set against Rybakina. The former World No.1 revealed that the No.12 seed played like Jannik Sinner while leaving her no space to implement her game plan.

Well, it was tough. First set, I felt like I’m playing against Jannik Sinner. Elena really pushed me. I needed to do something to get back into the game and honestly, with her playing like that, I didn’t have a lot of hopes (laughs), but I just kept fighting and I’m happy that I did that because every game I felt like I could loosen up even more. And at the end, I was able to play my game, so I’m super happy.

Swiatek now leads her head-to-head record against Rybakina 5-4 after the win. The four-time Roland Garros champion is hoping to reach her first final this season and claim her first title in a year. She has been heavily criticized for not beating top players and failing at important matches this season. Probably, at the French Open, she can prove that she’s back to playing her best tennis.

Iga Swiatek says beating Elena Rybakina at the Roland Garros was very important to her

Iga Swiatek avoided a match-up against Jelena Ostapenko in the fourth round after Elena Rybakina defeated the Latvian in straight sets in the third round. If she had faced Ostapenko, it could have been a more difficult ask, considering that she has never beaten her, losing six times.

Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek
Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

During her post-match press conference, she was asked how she felt after overcoming Rybakina. The Pole revealed that it was a really important win for her and that she needed to get the feeling that she can still win under immense pressure.

It means a lot. I think I needed that kind of win to feel these feelings that I’m able to win under pressure, and even if it’s not going the right way, you know, still turn the match around to win it. For sure it’s a great confirmation for me. … Obviously it’s great to also have full control over the match, but against great players, it’s not always going to be possible. I’m happy that I fought, and I also problem-solved on court.

Swiatek becomes just the third woman to amass a 25-match winning streak at the Roland Garros. The five-time winner now has just four matches to reach Chris Evert’s 29 successive match win record at the Roland Garros. She will take on World No. 14 Elina Svitolina in the quarter-finals after the Ukrainian star defeated Jasmine Paolini in three sets.

Also Read: (Video) Carlos Alcaraz Shows Incredible Sportsmanship Against Ben Shelton by Refusing the Point During Roland Garros Clash