Iga Swiatek’s three-set win over Karolina Muchova in the final of the French Open has been branded as her ‘most difficult’ match since working with her current coach.
The world No.1 required almost three hours to edge her way past unseeded Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-4, in what was a rollercoaster encounter. Swiatek looked to be in firm control when leading 6-2, 3-0, before her opponent staged an almighty fightback. Then in the decider, she had bounced back from a break down twice en route to claiming her fourth Grand Slam title.
Watching Swiatek’s latest achievement from the stands was her coach Tomasz Wiktorowski who has been a member of her team since 2021. In the past, he also played a prominent role in the career of former player Agnieszka Radwanska.
“Iga felt more pressure than last year,” Wiktorowski said during an interview with Eurosport Uk. “It was a huge match, the final of a Grand Slam.’
“Being here (in the French Open final) back-to-back means something but also you demand more from yourself.”
In a rather frank admission, Wiktorowski described Swiatek’s latest win as the toughest match they have experienced since working together due to the obstacles they have encountered. The Pole has now won three WTA titles so far this year, as well as reaching the final of two other events. However, she has also been hindered by a hip injury back in March and then suffered a right thigh injury at the Italian Open.
“She has passed through all the tough moments this year. She was injured badly in Indian Wells and then skipped Miami. Then after Rome (where she injured her thigh), we were unsure if she would be able to play at the French Open until the very last moment.” He reflected.
“This is why this was the most difficult match for me since I became her coach.”
During her trophy presentation, the 22-year-old paid tribute to her team and their dedication. Besides her coach, another member watching her was Daria Abramowicz who is Swiatek’s sports psychologist. She has spoken on multiple occasions about the importance of working on her mental game to maximize her performance on the court.
“I know how important teams are in our sport, even though it’s an individual sport. I wouldn’t be here without my team so thank you guys. Sorry for being such a pain,” she said.
“I’ll try to do better – I know we won this tournament but it’s not easy and being on tour for a couple of weeks without breaks is tough so I’m really happy we can feel satisfied right now and just celebrate.”
Swiatek has now won the first four Grand Slam finals she has played in which is a milestone that has only been achieved by two other women in the Open Era – Monica Seles and Naomi Osaka. She is also the youngest quadruple Grand Slam champion since Serena Williams.
