“l have huge respect for her, but my goal is to…” Jasmine Paolini is ready for the Iga Swiatek challenge once she steps on court against her in Roland Garros final

The two players will be playing each other for the third time on the WTA tour.

“l have huge respect for her, but my goal is to…” Jasmine Paolini is ready for the Iga Swiatek challenge once she steps on court against her in Roland Garros final

Jasmine Paolini, Iga Swiatek (Images via Imago)

Italian tennis player Jasmine Paolini is living the dream as she reached the final of the 2024 Roland Garros after defeating Mirra Andreeva in the semifinal. The 29-year-old has made it to her first-ever Grand Slam final and she has probably the toughest opponent she could get- Iga Swiatek. However, Paolini is not intimidated, instead, she is motivated.

The Italian who has her roots in Poland says that she has good relations with Swiatek and respects her achievements. She is excited to play against the Polish tennis ace but at the same time, Paolini says she is not focused on her opponent but herself. Paolini wants to make the most of the opportunity she has before her.

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Yeah, I'm going to say that. Iga is an unbelievable player, as I said. So young, but so many achievements and Grand Slams. Here she won three times. She's doing well week by week, and that's not easy. So l have huge respect for her, but my goal is to step on court Saturday and try to enjoy the match and to enjoy that moment and to try to play a good match and to make a good performance on court, you know, yeah.
Jasmine Paolini said about facing Iga Swiatek.

Jasmine Paolini talks about her relationship with Iga Swiatek

Jasmine Paolini delved deep into her relationship with Iga Swiatek. The Italian tennis player revealed that they greet each other in Polish whenever they cross paths. She, however, admitted that she is shy about speaking Polish as she is not too confident in that language.

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Iga Swiatek and Jasmine Paolini
Iga Swiatek and Jasmine Paolini (via IMAGO)

Paolini also revealed that Swiatek congratulated her when the Italian won the title in Dubai this year. She claimed that they often exchange pleasantries in the locker room and share a healthy bond. 

I try to speak in Polish, but it's not easy. I'm a little bit shy because I'm not feeling really confident in it, but of course, when I see her, I say congratulations for the titles she can win. The same, she does. She congratulated me after Dubai. She wishes me good luck after matches when we meet in the locker room. So, yeah, I try to speak Polish, but, you know, it's not easy for me, but we have a relationship, yeah.
Jasmine Paolini said at a press conference.

Notably, the two players have not played against each other a lot. Paolini and Swiatek have met only twice on the tour and the Polish has won both matches. The last time the two players played against each other was at the 2022 US Open. Swiatek had won the match in straight sets. It is to be seen if Paolini scripts history or if it will be the third title in a row for Swiatek.

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