Iga Swiatek saved match point to outlast Naomi Osaka 7-6(1) 1-6 7-5 to reach the third round at Roland Garros.
Swiatek overcame an outstanding performance from Osaka as the current world number one defeated the former world number one in a three set battle.
Osaka dominated most of the contest and had match point in the third set but couldn’t hold her nerve in the important moments.
Swiatek will now face either Jana Fett or Marie Bouzkova in the third round.
Naomi Osaka was sensational from the first ball as she hit more than 40 winners in the contest.
Swiatek showed signs of her champions qualities in the opening set as her sensational counter-attacking attributes saw the Pole break for a 2-1 lead.
Despite Swiatek’s aggressiveness, Osaka grew into the match and was confident on return as she broke back for 4-4.
Osaka continued to apply the pressure with her flawless hitting as she created set point in the tenth game.
However Swiatek showed her world class mental qualities to save the set point and eventually dominate the tiebreak to take the opening set.
That was only a consolation for the defending champion as she was outhit in every department in the next two sets.
Osaka’s backhand in particular was a damaging threat as she forced errors from Swiatek’s game, powering to three breaks of serve in the second set.
The final set saw Swiatek create early pressure on return and show signs of her dominant level that has seen her destroy the rest of the field at every turn.
Eight break points were created in the first two return games for Swiatek but the Pole lacked the clinical end product that has seen her be so efficient over the last year.
No such thing was lacking for Osaka though as she saved the break points and broke in the second game to take a 3-0 lead.
Time was running out for Swiatek as she continued to face a barrage of pressure from Osaka.
However Swiatek did what all good champion do and that’s find a way to win as Osaka crumbled under pressure.
The Pole broke back in the ninth game and then broke again after Osaka hit a double fault.
Swiatek closed out a three hour epic to survive another day and reach the third round.
As for Osaka, it’s an encouraging sign that she is at her best level and will continue to cause problems for the rest of the season.
Swiatek will now play Jana Fett or Marie Bouzkova in the third round.
