“She played amazing today,” Iga Swiatek heaps praise on Naomi Osaka after getting past her in a 3-set thriller at Roland Garros 

Swiatek beat Naomi Osaka 7-6, 1-6, 7-5, in one of the most intense second round matches of the tournament.

“She played amazing today,” Iga Swiatek heaps praise on Naomi Osaka after getting past her in a 3-set thriller at Roland Garros 

Naomi Osaka and Iga Swiatek (Via Imago)

Polish pro Iga Swiatek was honest about how difficult it was winning against Naomi Osaka in their second-round clash at the French Open on Wednesday. It was the match of the tournament so far as Swiatek asserted herself as the comeback queen. 

With Osaka out of the game for a couple of months, she was still searching for her best form, especially on clay. However, last night, the Japanese brought out her vintage self and took the challenge to the WTA No.1. From the start, Osaka was on Swiatek’s tail and did not allow the Pole to get away with a lead. Likewise, took the first set to a tie-break where the Japanese lost. 

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However, after that tie-break, Osaka changed into a gear higher than Swiatek and went on a rampage. She took the match to a deciding set and even found herself with a match point. Swiatek, on the other hand, was behind the 8-ball the entire game but found a small opening to capitalize and went from 5-2 in the final set to win it 7-6, 1-6, 7-5. 

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After the match, Swiatek had a lot of praise for Osaka, who fought a lot to get to a position to beat the WTA No.1 on clay. 

She played amazing today. I have big respect for her coming back. Also, because of the things that she always struggled with. But also another thing, she's a mother, and I guess, I have never been in that situation, but I guess it must be hard to combine these two things and come back after maternity leave. So, yeah. I'm happy that she's back. 
Iga Swiatek said via Roland Garros Press

It was a great comeback for the defending champion who survives to play another day. She denied an upset and will play in the third round tomorrow against the winner between Jana Fett and Marie Bouzkova. 

Iga Swiatek gets real with the fans and asks them to show more support between rallies and not during 

WTA No.1 Iga Swiatek, who is known for his positive image on the tour, lost her cool last night during her game against Naomi Osaka. The match had entered the phase where both players, especially Swiatek, were under immense pressure and the fans were not helping. 

Iga Swiatek
Iga Swiatek (Via Imago)

They kept on cheering during the rallies, which ruined the momentum of the players. Despite multiple requests from the chair umpire, the fans continued to cry out between serves and even between points. Out of respect, Swiatek addressed the fans after the match to cheer in the right manner. 

Please, guys, if you can just support us between the rallies but not during… that would be really, really amazing. 
Iga Swiatek said after the match

This was not the first time that a player admitted to struggling with the unnecessary cheers from the fans. During the ongoing Roland Garros, David Goffin had complained of mistreatment from the French spectators, as one of them spat chewing gum in his direction. The players hope that the conditions change for them and their requests are heard. 

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