Iga Swiatek believes her reputation at Roland Garros is taking her game to the next level as she prepares for a semi-final clash with Aryna Sabalenka.
The four-time champion is into yet another Roland Garros semi-final after a 6-1 7-5 victory over Elina Svitolina.
It is Swiatek’s 26th consecutive victory in Paris as she continues to produce dominant form at the tournament.
Speaking in her press conference Swiatek admitted she is feeling confident on the big points, “I knew that I need to be proactive, and Elina, we already played Grand Slam quarterfinal in Wimbledon,” Swiatek stated.
“I think I won the first set, and she’s that kind of player that goes for it, and she’s not going to doubt. So in important points, I knew that I have to be brave and just, yeah, be intense and try to push her, because she’s not going to give me points for free.
“I’m happy that I also stepped up when she broke me in the second set and that I kept my intensity until the end.”
The Swiatek title defence continues as she looks to defy her poor form to achieve more success in Paris.
However, now the ultimate test awaits Swiatek in the form of world number one Aryna Sabalenka in what is their first meeting since Cincinnati last year.
Despite Sabalenka’s form Swiatek believes that her reputation and form at Roland Garros puts her one step ahead, “Well, as you know, every match is different, so I can’t say like it’s this or that every time, because we’re humans. We feel different things, you know, every day,” Swiatek initially said when asked about the match on Thursday.
“But for sure I know what I’m fighting about, and I know my game is somewhere there even when the moment is tough. Like against Elina, I knew that I can find it if I push hard enough, and she lets me a little bit. So I feel like on this court and overall, like, Roland Garros, yeah, I should always push until the end and fight for everything, because there’s more probably that I overcome some stuff rather than in other places.
“I just maybe believe a little bit more.”
The Pole currently leads the head-to-head 8-4 and the pair have developed a nice rivalry over the last 12 months over the world number one.
However, Swiatek refused to comment on whether Sabalenka elevates her game, “I don’t know if she elevates my game,” Swiatek observed.
“Against every player, we play different way, so it’s hard to compare. But for sure our rivalry is pushing both of us, I think, but it’s not only about the level of tennis. It’s about like everything, how we work, and how professional we are. So I can say that for sure.”
This will be the first meeting between the pair at Roland Garros.
