“The scoreline looks a bit like it went one way but it wasn’t easy,” Iga Swiatek reflects on her Italian Open triumph against Aryna Sabalenka

Swiatek believes her Italian Open title win wasn't straightforward.

“The scoreline looks a bit like it went one way but it wasn’t easy,” Iga Swiatek reflects on her Italian Open triumph against Aryna Sabalenka

Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek (Via Imago)

World No.1 Iga Swiatek clinched her fourth title this season, defeating World No.2 Aryna Sabalenka in the Italian Open final this Saturday. Despite the seemingly one-sided scoreline, the Polish star suggests the challenging nature of her win.

The world’s top tennis players clashed in back-to-back finals in Madrid and Rome. While Madrid’s match was a close battle, with Swiatek narrowly winning in a final-set tie-break, Rome’s final seemed much simpler, judging by the scoreline.

Even though the scoreline looks a bit like it went one way, it wasn’t easy. I’m just super proud of myself. It shows that we are doing every part of the work properly. Physically, I was able to play well for basically 4 weeks….
Iga Swiatek said via WTA/DAZN

Both players now enter Roland Garros as the top two seeds. Swiatek has claimed three Masters 1000 titles this year, while Sabalenka has won the Australian Open. Something has got to give in Paris.

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Iga Swiatek on course for the best season of her career

World No.1 Iga Swiatek enters Roland Garros brimming with confidence as the reigning champion. Despite an unexpected early exit at the Australian Open, the Polish star has made a remarkable comeback. She has secured three Masters 1000 titles in Indian Wells, Madrid, and Rome, as well as a WTA 250 title in Qatar.

Iga Swiatek celebrates winning a point
Iga Swiatek celebrates winning a point (Via Imago)

Swiatek stands out as the only player, male or female, to win four titles in 2024. Previously, she was tied with Jannik Sinner with three titles to her name. Her victory in Rome marked her 21st WTA title and extended her streak to nine consecutive final wins.

By winning both Madrid and Rome in the same year, Swiatek joins an elite group of women, including Dinara Safina in 2009 and Serena Williams in 2013, who have achieved this feat. Can anyone stop the Polish icon at Roland Garros? Only time will tell, but if she continues her current form, she’s on course for the best season of her career.

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