Iga Swiatek, known as the “Queen of Clay,” has sealed a remarkable Roland Garros hat trick with her latest victory at the French Open. But what exactly makes her so dominant on clay courts? Is it her powerful serve, which she fine-tuned a few years ago to increase versatility and accuracy? Or is it her explosive play from the baseline, particularly her incredible forehand that can generate over 3,400 rotations per minute, rivaling some of the best male players?
Heading into the French Open final against 12th seed Jasmine Paolini, fans and experts alike were questioning whether Swiatek would produce another bagel set (6-0). While it may have seemed like a stretch to expect such a dominant performance in a Grand Slam final, especially against a first-time Major finalist, Swiatek showed her prowess by winning 6-2, 6-1 to claim her fourth Roland Garros title and fifth Major overall in just over an hour of play.
The world No.1’s victory at Roland Garros also marked her third consecutive title, joining the ranks of Monica Seles and Justine Henin as the only players in the Open Era to achieve this feat. Additionally, Swiatek became the fourth woman in history, after Henin, Steffi Graf, and Chris Evert, to win the French Open four times. Following in the footsteps of Serena Williams in 2013, she is only the second woman to clinch the Madrid, Rome, and Roland Garros titles in the same year.
As Swiatek continues to dominate on clay, winning an impressive 40 out of 43 completed sets during her 21-match unbeaten run, the question arises: what is the secret behind her invincibility on this surface? While her meticulous preparation and efficient game play a significant role, it is her mental toughness that truly sets her apart. Swiatek’s ability to thrive under pressure and turn seemingly hopeless situations around has been a key factor in her success on clay.
In her latest victory, Swiatek was broken early by Paolini but rallied to win 11 of the last 12 games, showcasing her unwavering determination and resilience on court. Reflecting on her triumph, Swiatek expressed her love for the French Open and the emotional journey of the tournament, highlighting her growth and evolution as a player since her first victory at just 19 years old.
With her impressive record and unwavering focus, Swiatek is not only a force to be reckoned with in the present but also a strong contender to establish herself among the all-time greats in tennis history.
