“I believe she’s a massive favorite,” Mats Wilander tips Iga Swiatek to win her fourth French Open

Iga Swiatek is now into the fourth round of the French Open.

“I believe she’s a massive favorite,” Mats Wilander tips Iga Swiatek to win her fourth French Open

Iga Swiatek and Mats Wilander (via IMAGO/X)

Iga Swiatek has dominated the WTA since the beginning of the clay season in April. With her form, she is the favorite to win the 2024 French Open. Now, after fighting hard to beat Naomi Osaka in the second round of the Roland Garros, Mats Wilander believes she has enhanced her credentials to win her fourth clay major title, even more.

The 23-year-old Polish star was slated to play Naomi Osaka in the second round of the French Open after the draw. But, before that, she defeated French Leolia Jeanjean in straight sets in the first round without much challenge. In the second round, Swiatek was the favorite to beat Osaka, but it wasn’t as easy as predicted by fans.

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Despite the match starting with Osaka falling to double faults, she kept elevating her game as the match went on. She took the match to a deciding third set after winning the second set 6-1. Osaka’s great performance was not enough as she lost in the end 7-6, 1-6, 7-5, with Swiatek even saving a match point.

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After the victory, Swiatek told reporters that she still has a lot to improve on her game, despite her Madrid and Rome victories. Elsewhere, Mats Wilander believes that she is now the favorite to win her fourth Roland Garros after being willing to improve her game on clay.

I loved that she thinks she can still improve her game on clay, here in the tournament, compared to in Australia. Why? Because it's slower, so she has more time, she can play with more spin on the forehand and can play more aggressively. She can kick the serve in, which is a weapon, or she can go for it. She's got a lot of options to improve, she said that, and I believe she is a massive favourite because of that.
Mats Wilander said via Eurosport

Swiatek then took on World No.42 Marie Bouzkova in the third round of the French Open. The Czech star caused a major upset after beating 29th seed Veronika Kudermetova in straight sets in the first round. However, the Pole breezed past the Czech in straight sets.

French Open organizers ban alcohol and out-of-bounds behavior after Iga Swiatek complains about noise

The French Open organizers banned alcohol and out-of-bounds behavior in the stands. The officials responded to David Goffin’s claim that he was spat on by a spectator during his first-round win against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.

Also, Iga Swiatek complained after her win that noise from the stands after every point caused her tension. The feeling didn’t dissipate after her victory against Naomi Osaka as she pleaded with the crowd to be quiet next time.

Iga Swiatek reacts during her match against Naomi Osaka
Iga Swiatek (Via Imago)
Sometimes under a lot of pressure, when you scream something during the rally, it is very distracting and hard to focus. The stakes are big and we are playing for a lot of money.
Iga Swiatek said in the post-match presser via BBC

Earlier today, Swiatek advanced to the fourth round. She will now take on Russian Anastasia Potapova.

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