Why beating Naomi Osaka from match point down at French Open 2024 is the most important win of Iga Swiatek's career
There was thunderous applause from the crowd as Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka walked out of the Court Philippe Chatrier after their second-round clash at Roland Garros 2024. The Parisians were treated to one of the best matches of 2024 as both WTA stars went head-to-head in what felt like a final in the French capital.
The clash between the current World No. 1 and the former lived up to the hype as both Swiatek and Osaka played some scintillating tennis. However, it was Iga Swiatek who found that higher level and won the match in a thrilling three-setter.
The Polish star saved herself from a match point on Osaka's serve before clinching a sure-to-be famous 7-6(1), 1-6, 7-5 win in front of an electrified crowd.
Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka play out a thriller in the second round of the 2024 French Open
For many, Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka delivered the match of the year so far when they went head-to-head at the Paris Major. Both multiple-Grand Slam-winners, seemed at the peak of their powers as they exchanged strokes for over three hours. However, it was the defending champion Iga Swiatek who marched on to the next round on her beloved French clay.
In the rollercoaster of an encounter, Swiatek seemed to be heading out of the tournament when Osaka served for the match in the final set. However, the Pole managed to get by a match point to level the game, before going on the win the deciding set 7-5.
Such was Osaka's dominance that Swiatek looked down and out at various other stages of the match. The World No. 1 saved a break point at 4-1 down in the third set, before mounting her epic comeback from 5-2 down. Swiatek won the last five games in a row to stun Osaka who looked sure to be heading towards a victory.
Swiatek displayed the true resilience of a champion as she refused to buckle under pressure and kept on challenging Osaka even when she was struggling for form during the match. With this win, Swiatek has cleared one of her biggest hurdles on the path to a historic 'three-peat' at Roland Garros.
Is this the best win of Iga Swiatek's career?
Iga Swiatek, who turns 23 tomorrow on 31 May, has been involved in some incredible matches in her young career, with her strong mentality having already propelled her to four Grand Slam titles.
Before the French Open 2024, the Polish star played a thrilling final at the Madrid Open against her rival Aryna Sabalenka. The two top-ranked WTA players in the world did not disappoint as they put on a show for the Madrid crowd too.
Swiatek saved herself from three championship points in the deciding set before winning 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(7) in a final tie-break. The Polish star won the tournament to extend her dominance on clay in the run up to the 2024 French Open. However, Swiatek's triumph over Osaka now surely sits at the top as Swiatek's best win in her career yet.
The Polish player looked down and out and could not find her serves in the majority of the match. Meanwhile, Osaka was in complete control throughout with her big forehand proving to be decisive in crucial points. The Parisian crowd backed Osaka as she seemed to grow confident with each passing point. With the crowd against her, Swiatek had first to show great mental strength and stay in the game before capitalizing on any chances she got.
This win has shown Swiatek's champion mentality as she still managed to work wonders when the odds were against her. The Pole cheekily claimed in her post-match interview that Osaka will be the clay court specialist soon. However, with performances like this, Swiatek has shown the world that she is well and truly the 'Queen of Clay'.