PARIS — Defending champion Iga Swiatek survived a grueling battle against Elena Rybakina, clawing back from a disastrous opening set to secure a thrilling 1-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory and advance to the French Open quarter-finals. The world No. 1, who admitted feeling "like I was playing Sinner" in reference to her recent Rome final loss, showcased her trademark resilience on the Parisian clay.
A Nightmare Start for Swiatek
Swiatek’s title defense began ominously as Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, dominated the first set with ruthless efficiency. The Kazakhstani player’s powerful serve and aggressive baseline play left Swiatek scrambling, breaking her twice to seal the set 6-1 in just 30 minutes. "I felt like I couldn’t find my rhythm at all," Swiatek confessed in her post-match interview.
Key struggles for Swiatek in the first set included:
- Winning only 33% of first-serve points
- Committing 12 unforced errors
- Failing to create a single break point opportunity
The Turnaround Begins
The second set saw a transformed Swiatek, who adjusted her tactics to counter Rybakina’s power. She began employing more drop shots and varying her spins, disrupting Rybakina’s rhythm. A crucial break in the fourth game gave Swiatek the momentum she needed, and she closed out the set 6-3. "I knew I had to change something. Elena was playing too good to let her dictate," Swiatek explained.
Key Stats in the Second Set
Swiatek’s improvement was evident in the numbers:
- First-serve points won increased to 68%
- Reduced unforced errors to just 5
- Converted 2 of 3 break points
A Decider for the Ages
The final set was a rollercoaster, featuring five breaks of serve and multiple momentum swings. Rybakina saved two match points at 4-5 before Swiatek finally closed out the match on her third opportunity, sealing victory with a stunning backhand winner. "That’s why she’s No. 1. She never gives up," Rybakina acknowledged afterward.
The match lasted 2 hours and 48 minutes, with Swiatek winning 52% of total points compared to Rybakina’s 48%. The defending champion’s ability to win crucial points proved decisive, as she saved 8 of 12 break points faced while converting 5 of her 9 opportunities.
Looking Ahead: Svitolina Awaits
Swiatek will now face Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals after the Ukrainian upset fourth seed Jasmine Paolini in straight sets. The Pole leads their head-to-head 7-1, including a dominant win in last year’s Rome final. However, Svitolina has been in impressive form since returning from maternity leave, and their only clay court meeting went to three sets.
Swiatek remains cautiously optimistic about her chances: "Every match here is tough. Elina is playing great tennis and has so much experience. I’ll need to be at my best again." The winner will face either Coco Gauff or Ons Jabeur in what promises to be a blockbuster semifinal.
Tactical Adjustments Prove Crucial
Swiatek’s coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski, revealed the key mid-match adjustments that turned the tide:
- Moving closer to the baseline to take time away from Rybakina
- Targeting Rybakina’s forehand with heavy topspin
- Increasing first serve percentage from 48% to 64% after the first set
These changes allowed Swiatek to neutralize Rybakina’s biggest weapons while imposing her own game. The defending champion finished with 28 winners to 22 unforced errors, while Rybakina’s ratio was 31 winners to 35 unforced errors - a testament to Swiatek’s improved consistency as the match progressed.
Historic Implications
With this victory, Swiatek:
- Extends her Roland Garros winning streak to 16 matches
- Records her 30th career win at the French Open (against just 2 losses)
- Moves closer to becoming the first woman since Justine Henin (2005-07) to win three consecutive titles in Paris
The match also marked Swiatek’s 10th career comeback from a set down at Grand Slams, further cementing her reputation as one of the tour’s toughest competitors. "These are the matches that make champions," observed former champion Chris Evert in commentary.
Conclusion: A Champion’s Resolve
While Swiatek’s performance was far from perfect, her ability to problem-solve under pressure and elevate her game when it mattered most demonstrated why she remains the player to beat on clay. As the tournament enters its business end, the Pole appears to be finding her best form at the perfect time. "I’m just happy to still be in the tournament after today," a relieved Swiatek told reporters.
With three matches standing between her and a historic three-peat, Swiatek will need to maintain this level against an increasingly tough field. But if this match proved anything, it’s that writing off the world No. 1 - even when she’s struggling - is a dangerous proposition on the red clay of Roland Garros.