Paris: Iga Swiatek on Saturday became the first Polish player to win a Grand Slam as she beat Sofia Kenin 6-4, 6-1. Swiatek, 19, is the youngest French Open champion since Rafael Nadal in 2005, who was also aged 19.
After racing to a 3-0 lead in the first set, Swiatek was reeled back in as Australian Open champion Kenin began to find her range on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
The teenager again secured the break and held a set point on serve, only to be broken at 5-3. She, however, made up for the missed chance when she broke the American's serve for the third time to secure the opening set after 50 minutes.
Kenin had fought through four three-set matches from her six matches coming into the final, including twice from a set down, and began the second set with a break.
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"I hope cat watching, but she's not here. Hope she's watching at home."
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) October 10, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
Your 2020 champion, @iga_swiatek#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/0zdQU3YM6O
">"I hope cat watching, but she's not here. Hope she's watching at home."
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) October 10, 2020
Your 2020 champion, @iga_swiatek#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/0zdQU3YM6O"I hope cat watching, but she's not here. Hope she's watching at home."
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) October 10, 2020
Your 2020 champion, @iga_swiatek#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/0zdQU3YM6O
But it was the only time she would lead all set. Following an off-court injury time-out to have her leg re-strapped, Kenin was unable to break the Pole's momentum as she powered through the second set in just 31 minutes.