The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
French Open
mony.
“I just told Coco, ‘Don’t cry,’” said Swiatek, who claimed the 2020 French Open while still a teen and ranked outside the top 50, “and what am I doing right now?”
But Swiatek gathered her thoughts well enough to offer support and wishes of hope for Ukraine, which Russia invaded in February.
“Stay strong, because the world is still there,” Swiatek told Ukrainians, whose blueand-yellow flag is represented by a ribbon she has been wearing on her white cap.
Gauff, a former Atlanta juniors phenom appearing in her first major final at age 18, and just weeks removed from celebrating her high school graduation with cap-andgown photos near the Eiffel Tower, never stood much of a chance — like most opponents against Swiatek lately.
Swiatek’s unbeaten run stretches back to February and equals one by Venus Williams in 2000 as the longest this century.
“The past couple months have truly been amazing, and you totally deserve it,” the 18th-seeded Gauff, now 0-3 against Swiatek, told her 21-year-old opponent, then added with a chuckle: “Hopefully we can play each other in more finals, and maybe I can get a win on you one of these days.”
Having won her past six tournaments, improving to 42-3 this season, Swiatek has emerged as a dominant figure in tennis, with 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams out of action for nearly a year and threetime major champ Ash Barty announcing in March she would retire at age 25 and relinquish the No. 1 ranking.
That allowed Swiatek to move up to the top of the WTA, and she’s shown she is a deserving resident there.
“Two years ago, winning this title was something amazing. Honestly, I wouldn’t expect it, ever,” Swiatek said. “But this time, I feel like I worked hard and did everything to get here, even though it was pretty tough. The pressure was big.”
Gauff did not get off to the best of starts, perhaps reflecting early jitters that would be understandable coming from any player in a debut on this stage.
When Gauff got on the board by holding to 4-1, the applause and roar were suitable for the capture of a set, not simply one game.
“You guys supported me, even when I was down,” Gauff told the fans afterward.
As things appeared to be getting away from her, Gauff slapped her thigh or covered her eyes, shook her head or looked up toward her parents in the stands.
Gauff began the second set by breaking Swiatek for the only time, and then holding to go up 2-0. Swiatek quickly recalibrated and reasserted herself, breaking back for 2-all as Gauff’s propensity for miscues returned. By the end, Gauff had more unforced errors, 23-16, and also fewer winners: 14 for her, 18 for Swiatek.