Iga Swiatek shuns TV reveals to remain sharp in French Open title defence-OxBig News Network

“I simply go to the park, do some Legos, learn a e book, and never watch too many TV reveals as a result of then I’ve bizarre goals,” Iga Swiatek stated with a smile when requested about her day-off routine on the French Open. The response gave a glimpse into the unflappable mindset of the four-time Roland Garros champion, who continues to make one of many hardest tournaments in tennis appear to be a weekend stroll.

On Wednesday, May 28, Swiatek made fast work of British star and 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu, profitable 6-1, 6-2 in simply over an hour to increase her gorgeous profitable streak in Paris to 23 consecutive matches. She has now reached the third spherical of the French Open ever since she made her debut within the clay-court Grand Slam in 2019. | French Open, Day 4 Highlights |

She has now crushed Raducanu in all 5 of their conferences, all in straight units, underscoring the gulf between the Pole’s clay-court mastery and Raducanu’s still-evolving recreation on the pink grime.

It has been a subdued build-up to Roland Garros for the World No. 5, whose greatest end result on clay is a run to the Madrid Open semi-final. However, in Paris, she seemed switched on and able to defend her title for the third successive time.

“I simply needed to play my recreation,” Swiatek stated post-match. “I felt good on court docket. I assumed I might do what I had deliberate to, modify to the situations as a result of it was windy. I’m glad that I did that effectively and I’m via.”

Swiatek is now eyeing an unprecedented fourth consecutive title at Roland Garros – one thing no lady has achieved within the Open Era. And her dominance is not restricted to clay. She is the one participant – male or feminine – to have reached the third spherical in all 21 Grand Slam occasions for the reason that begin of 2020. The subsequent closest? Novak Djokovic, with 18.

“Probably the topspin that I play,” she stated when requested about her Parisian success. “I really like enjoying right here. This place evokes me and makes me work tougher. I believe having a while off earlier than helped me a bit. I’m able to combat for it and compete.”

Against Raducanu, who has struggled with sickness and kind, Swiatek briefly wobbled within the opening video games, tallying eight unforced errors early on, earlier than switching gears with surgical precision. The Brit carved out three break factors within the second set however didn’t convert, and Swiatek sealed the win with a trademark backhand down the road.

Next up, she faces both Sara Bejlek or Jaqueline Cristian. But along with her quiet routines, clear head, and clay court docket command, Swiatek stays essentially the most formidable pressure in Paris – TV reveals or not.