(Video) Iga Swiatek Gives Hilarious Reaction on Preferring Between Jelena Ostapenko and Elena Rybakina as her Next Opponent

Currently into the fourth round, Iga Swiatek is seeking a fourth consecutive Roland Garros title this year.

(Video) Iga Swiatek Gives Hilarious Reaction on Preferring Between Jelena Ostapenko and Elena Rybakina as her Next Opponent

Iga Swiatek had a hilarious reaction over preferred choice of opponents (via Punto de Break)

Iga Swiatek brought some humor to her press conference after her third-round win at Roland Garros. The world No. 1 had just defeated Jaqueline Cristian 6-2, 7-5 to continue her title defense and extend her winning streak in Paris to 24 matches. With four French Open titles under her belt, including the last three in a row, she is aiming to continue her dominance on clay.

After her match, Swiatek was asked whether she preferred to face Elena Rybakina or Jelena Ostapenko in the fourth round. With a smile, she confidently replied, “No,” then burst into laughter, as did the rest of the press room. Her reaction hinted that she may have had a favorite, despite not saying it directly. Swiatek said in her Roland Garros press conference:

Am I a good liar? Let’s say it doesn’t matter. I couldn’t fake poker (face).

Swiatek’s history with the two players is notably different. She shares a 4-4 head-to-head record with Rybakina, but has never beaten Ostapenko, holding a 0-6 record against the Latvian. Ostapenko’s aggressive style has always posed problems for Swiatek, making her one of the toughest opponents the Pole has faced on tour.

Ultimately, Swiatek will face Rybakina in the fourth round, as the Kazakh player cruised past Ostapenko 6-2, 6-2. Though Rybakina has defeated Swiatek four times, the matchup is more balanced. Only three players have beaten Swiatek that many times—Rybakina, Ostapenko, and Aryna Sabalenka. However, Swiatek holds a winning 8-4 record against Sabalenka, and will likely enter the match against Rybakina with greater confidence.

Iga Swiatek equals Chris Evert’s record

Defending champion Iga Swiatek matched a significant milestone at the French Open by tying Chris Evert’s record. She secured her latest win with a 6-2, 7-5 victory over Jaqueline Cristian. The first set was quick and controlled, lasting just over 30 minutes, while the second set was far more competitive.

Iga Swiatek (4)
Iga Swiatek (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

Swiatek didn’t face a single break point in the opening set. In contrast, the second set saw her under more pressure, but she defended all six break points created by Cristian. Her ability to stay composed helped her close out the match in straight sets.

This win gives Swiatek 38 victories in her first 40 French Open main draw matches. That number equals Evert’s long-standing record. She is also on a 24-match winning streak at the tournament, further highlighting her dominance on clay.

Next, Swiatek will meet Elena Rybakina in the fourth round. Their rivalry stands evenly at four wins each. This match will be a key test for Swiatek, who hasn’t reached a final since her 2024 French Open title and has struggled in this year’s WTA 1000 events.

Iga Swiatek extends Roland Garros winning streak to 24

With this result, her winning streak in Paris now stands at 24 matches. The match was played under the hottest conditions of the tournament so far. Swiatek dominated the first set, not facing a single break point. In the second set, Cristian raised her level, but Swiatek remained solid in key moments.

Iga Swiatek (3)
Iga Swiatek (Image via X/Jimmie48 Photography)

Cristian pushed hard in the second set and earned six break points, but Swiatek saved them all. The defending champion also denied her opponent a chance to reach a tiebreak and sealed the win by breaking serve at the end.

Next, Swiatek will face 12th seed Elena Rybakina, who defeated Jelena Ostapenko 6-2, 6-2. A win would allow the former World No.1 to match Monica Seles‘ record of 25 consecutive victories at Roland Garros in the Open Era.

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