Iga Swiatek Roland Garros: A Remarkable Comeback
Defending champion Iga Swiatek showcased an incredible comeback against Elena Rybakina, extending her Roland-Garros winning streak to an impressive 25 matches. This victory marked yet another milestone in her career at the iconic clay courts of Paris.
Iga Swiatek (5) defeated Elena Rybakina (12), 1-6, 6-3, 7-5
Great champions always find a way. On Sunday, Iga Swiatek, a four-time champion, was down a set but rallied against Elena Rybakina to make history on the Parisian clay. Besides that, this win ties her with Monica Seles for second place on the all-time list for consecutive wins at Roland-Garros. Swiatek is now just three victories away from becoming the first woman in the Open era to win four consecutive titles in Paris. Her next challenge is Elina Svitolina in the Swiatek Svitolina quarter-finals.
Iga Swiatek Roland Garros: Match Summary 🎾
Swiatek, renowned for her dominance at Roland-Garros, faced a potential blowout on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Although she avoided a bagel set, Swiatek got on the scoreboard in the sixth game but still dropped the first set to the No. 12 seed, who overwhelmed her with a powerful array of shots. Because of Rybakina’s skill, she put immense pressure on the defending champion early on.
“First set, I felt like I was playing against Jannik Sinner,” Swiatek remarked post-match. After the intense 35-minute opening set, Swiatek took a break to reset, returning to applause and determined to reclaim her form.
Rybakina started strong in the second set, winning the first eight points and taking a 2-0 lead. However, Swiatek found her footing when Rybakina missed a crucial volley, allowing Swiatek to break back for 2-2. Realizing the opportunity, Swiatek held her serve, moving ahead 3-2. From there, Swiatek’s play improved dramatically, allowing her to break Rybakina at love and secure the second set with ease.
The final set turned into a tense battle. Both players maintained a high level, with Swiatek fending off multiple break points to hold for 3-3. A controversial call by chair umpire Kader Nouni allowed Rybakina to save a crucial game, keeping the match in the balance. Nevertheless, Swiatek remained focused and seized her chance, winning the last three games to secure her place in Roland-Garros history.
Last year, she saved a match point against Naomi Osaka to win the tournament, becoming the first woman to achieve a Roland-Garros three-peat since Justine Henin in 2007. Svitolina, who holds more clay-court wins than any other woman in 2025, awaits in the next round.
For more on Swiatek’s journey, explore this comprehensive overview.
Key Statistics 📊
In the Open era, only Chris Evert (29, 1974-1981) has more consecutive women’s singles main draw victories at Roland-Garros than Swiatek. She joins an elite group with 25 or more consecutive singles wins in Paris, alongside Rafael Nadal (39), Chris Evert (29), Bjorn Borg (28), and Monica Seles (25).
Swiatek saved 10 break points in this match, equalling her highest in a Grand Slam (US Open 2020 vs. Victoria Azarenka). She saved four of five in the third set. Rybakina’s seven-match winning streak ended, and her career record against Swiatek is now 4-5.
For insights into Swiatek’s rise on clay, read ESPN’s detailed article.
Swiatek’s Reflections
On gaining confidence as the match progressed: “Elena really pushed me, so I had to find a way back. I didn’t have much hope early on, but I kept fighting. I’m happy I did because I felt more at ease with each game, and I managed to play my game in the end.”
On adjusting her play in the second and third sets: “The plan was to use more topspin, but Elena played so close to the lines that it was challenging. Once I had the chance to execute my strategy, I stayed patient and focused.”
On the high quality of the third set: “It wasn’t easy, but we both played incredible tennis. Facing Elena is always tough, so winning this match means a lot to me.”
For more about Rybakina’s skills and strategy, check out this resource on her game style.
