Iga Swiatek Highlights the Importance of Gritty win Over Elena Rybakina at Roland Garros

Into the quarter-finals now, Iga Swiatek has now won 25 consecutive matches at Roland Garros.

Iga Swiatek Highlights the Importance of Gritty win Over Elena Rybakina at Roland Garros

Iga Swiatek (Image via X/Jimmie48 Photography)

Iga Swiatek is chasing her fifth French Open title and fourth in a row. Her comeback win over Elena Rybakina reminded her of her strength on clay after a slow season.

Swiatek was in trouble early, down a set and two games. But she turned the match around to win 1-6, 6-3, 7-5 on Court Philippe-Chatrier. The Polish player was encouraged by the result and believes these are the kind of wins that will get her through the rough patch she has been enduring over the past 12 months. Swiatek said in her Roland Garros press conference.

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, still turn the match around to win it. It’s a great confirmation for me. I wanted to have a match like that. Obviously, it’s great to also have full control over the match. Against great players it’s not always gonna be possible. I’m happy I fought. I also problem solved on court.

She later said facing Rybakina felt like playing Jannik Sinner, due to the Kazakh’s powerful game. Swiatek hadn’t won any clay titles this year and had struggled after a brief doping suspension.

The win marked her 25th straight at Roland Garros. It was also her first clay-court win over Rybakina and improved her head-to-head to 5-4.

Iga Swiatek reaches sixth straight Roland Garros quarterfinal

Fifth seed Iga Swiatek staged a solid comeback to book her spot in the French Open quarterfinals for the sixth straight year. The 24-year-old battled past 12th seed Elena Rybakina in a tight three-set encounter.

Iga Swiatek (X/Jimmie48photography)
Iga Swiatek (X/Jimmie48photograph)

Rybakina dominated early, racing to a 6-1 first-set win in just 35 minutes. Swiatek avoided a shutout by saving two set points and getting on the board with a game. The second set began in similar fashion, with Rybakina quickly going up 2-0. But a missed routine shot opened the door for Swiatek to break serve and shift the momentum.

From there, Swiatek took control. She used her forehand to break again and eventually sealed the match 1-6, 6-3, 7-5 to continue her strong run in Paris.

How Iga Swiatek turned the match around against Elena Rybakina

Iga Swiatek fought back to level the match, but Elena Rybakina quickly responded. A powerful backhand rally forced Swiatek to drop her racquet, helping Rybakina hold serve for a 3-2 lead.

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

The tension grew as both players traded breaks until it was 4-all. Swiatek thought she had broken again after a double fault from Rybakina, but the call was reversed. Rybakina recovered to hold and edge closer to victory.

Despite the setback, Swiatek remained composed. She held serve to love, leveling the set at 5-5 with aggressive play. She then broke Rybakina once more and stepped up to serve out the match. Swiatek’s forehand proved decisive as she fired winners to seal the win in a dramatic finish.

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