Swiatek's French Open Dynasty
Boris Becker has drawn a compelling comparison between Iga Swiatek and Rafael Nadal following her latest French Open victory.
The German tennis legend believes the world No. 1 is on track to achieve "double figures in titles" at Roland Garros, mirroring the Spanish icon’s remarkable record.
In a dominant performance, the Polish star dismantled Italy’s Jasmine Paolini with a 6-2, 6-1 victory in just 68 minutes on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
At 23, Swiatek has now secured her fourth French Open title, placing her three wins shy of the women's record held by Chris Evert. Nadal, revered as the King of Clay, boasts the unparalleled record of 14 titles at any Major, a feat that might remain unmatched with his possible final appearance at Roland Garros this year.
Reflecting on Swiatek’s prowess, Becker remarked, "She looks so perfect on the court, so it’s refreshing to see her display some emotions and nerves afterward. I thoroughly enjoyed the first 15 to 20 minutes of the finale, but then Iga Swiatek's dominance was undeniable. She possesses too many weapons and too much pace. Iga reminds me of Rafael Nadal, and I wouldn't be surprised if she reaches double figures in titles in Paris."
Eurosport analyst Mats Wilander echoed Becker’s sentiments, predicting an even brighter future for Swiatek. "With four Roland-Garros titles at only 23, I believe she can win another five, six, or even seven titles. Her modern style, characterized by heavy spin and fierce racquet speed, makes her nearly unbeatable here."
Wilander also noted, "Paolini's aggressive play initially posed a challenge, but once Iga adjusted, her superiority was clear. It was close enough early on for the crowd to enjoy, but Swiatek’s excellence ultimately prevailed."
The iconic duo of Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova presented Swiatek with her trophy. When asked if Swiatek could surpass Evert’s record, Paolini responded with a mix of admiration and uncertainty, "Definitely. Well, I don't know for sure. But at 23, with four titles already, she has a great chance. Winning three more is tough, but given her talent, it’s possible."
