French Open LIVE: Result and reaction as Iga Swiatek beats Jasmine Paolini in women’s final at Roland Garros
Iga Swiatek swept to a fourth French Open crown to keep her Queen of Clay title at Roland Garros. The world number one from Poland brushed aside Italian underdog Jasmine Paolini 6-2 6-1 in and hour and eight minutes.
King of Clay Rafael Nadal may have played his last French Open this year but Swiatek comprehensively proved once again she is also Roland Garros royalty. She is the first woman to win three consecutive Roland Garros titles since Justine Henin in 2007 and only the third to achieve the feat in Open history, along with Monica Seles.
Swiatek is undefeated in Paris since 2021, 21 matches ago, and has won 34 of her 36 matches here, a record matched only by Seles and Chris Evert. Follow all the latest reaction from Roland Garros below:
French Open 2024: Swiatek v Paolini
Paolini also in the women’s doubles final alongside Italian partner Sara Errani
Paolini breaks Swiatek’s serve in just the third game - but the Pole immediately breaks back
Swiatek wins five straight games to claim first set 6-2
World No1 fires through second round to win fourth Roland Garros title
Swiatek wins French Open final 6-2 6-1 vs Paolini
Saturday 8 June 2024 15:40 , Karl Matchett
Iga Swiatek swept to a fourth French Open crown to keep her Queen of Clay title at Roland Garros.
The world number one from Poland brushed aside Italian underdog Jasmine Paolini 6-2 6-1 in and hour and eight minutes.
King of Clay Rafael Nadal may have played his last French Open this year but Swiatek comprehensively proved once again she is also Roland Garros royalty.
Report from the final:
Swiatek races to third straight French Open title with victory over Paolini
Swiatek wins French Open final 6-2 6-1 vs Paolini
Saturday 8 June 2024 15:29 , Karl Matchett
18 winners to 7... and 13 unforced errors to 18. That’s really the story of this final, with Swiatek just maintaining her consistency and keeping the points rolling over all game long.
She managed a streak of ten straight games during this final.
For Paolini it’s a great improvement in Grand Slam terms - but the distance to the top is clearly still large.
She does, however, have another final tomorrow for the doubles!
Swiatek wins French Open final 6-2 6-1 vs Paolini
Saturday 8 June 2024 15:26 , Karl Matchett
A brave performance from Paolini who did start this match well, but she just didn’t have the endurance or class in her game to match Swiatek - few do, in truth.
And especially not on clay.
That’s three straight wins and four overall at Roland Garros from Swiatek, the world No1 who is untouchable on this surface.
Swiatek wins French Open final 6-2 6-1 vs Paolini
Saturday 8 June 2024 15:22 , Karl Matchett
Paolini this time gets a fortunate bounce off the net but can never really position herself on the court in the point and Swiatek is ruthless, volleying then smashing to go 30-15 up.
Another fine rally tests both players to their limit and Paolini forces Swiatek backwards and to each corner - a long lob goes long and it’s 30-30.
Swiatek is always the slow and steady one though, biding her time and playing through points - and she wins the next to go to Championship point.
Her serve is powerful, the return is long...Iga Swiatek is French Open champion yet again!
*Swiatek 5-1 Paolini - French Open women’s final second set (6-2)
Saturday 8 June 2024 15:17 , Karl Matchett
Last chance saloon then for Paolini to stop this procession of Swiatek’s and to prolong this final.
She shows the required fight alright, taking a point with a well-placed shot down the line and another to the baseline - then Swiatek shows that weakness of hers at the net to send a volley wide. 40-30 to Paolini. Can she pick up one more?
Yes she can! Tremendous fired forehand down the line, massive power and this time perfect precision.
Swiatek to serve for the game, set, match, title and trophy.
Swiatek 5-0 Paolini* - French Open women’s final second set (6-2)
Saturday 8 June 2024 15:11 , Karl Matchett
Swiatek serving to go within a game of the title.
Paolini produces one big winner into the corner and another to win a brilliant rally, both players initially from the baseline but the Italian eventually moving in and volleying from the net. Fine play for 30-30.
But Swiatek will not be denied, and she duly wins the next two points to go within a game of a fourth Roland Garros success.
*Swiatek 4-0 Paolini - French Open women’s final second set (6-2)
Saturday 8 June 2024 15:07 , Karl Matchett
Huge, deep breath time for Paolini. If she’s to make another fight of this final, she needs to find a way to hold her serve this time. Easier said than done, of course.
The Italian wins the first point and gives a wry smile, but the grimace is back when Swiatek barrels through everything she’s got in the next two points, wins them both - then even a shot which clips the top of the net falls Swiatek’s way. 15-40 now and another couple of break points.
She needs them both, but it’s 4-0.
Swiatek 3-0 Paolini* - French Open women’s final second set (6-2)
Saturday 8 June 2024 15:02 , Karl Matchett
The Pole is just in scintillating form now and blazes through an eighth straight game. We’ve had 11 minutes of this second set and it’s 3-0.
Swiatek absolutely rolling towards another Grand Slam title.
*Swiatek 2-0 Paolini - French Open women’s final second set (6-2)
Saturday 8 June 2024 14:59 , Karl Matchett
Another double fault from Paolini who looks disheartened. The crowd respond to try and lift her, but Swiatek is just rattling through the points and games now.
Power, poise and precision all in her game to fire point after point into the corner or to unreachable parts of the court.
Two more from the Italian go into the net on the stretch and it’s two break points - the first goes with a brilliant ace. First of the game for Paolini, then Swiatek’s return goes long and it’s back to deuce!
It doesn’t last though and Swiatek comes through for another break and seven straight games won now.
Swiatek 1-0 Paolini* - French Open women’s final second set (6-2)
Saturday 8 June 2024 14:54 , Karl Matchett
Second set underway, Swiatek serving first. On course for a third straight title at Roland Garros and her fourth overall.
Paolini isn’t finished yet though and her fighting spirit has been on show today - and it’s here again for the first point, forcing Swiatek short and then into the net.
A mis-hit apiece gets the second set off to a slightly strange start, but Swiatek simply keeps moving Paolini side to side, forcing it into a match from the baselines and that’s one she’s always going to win.
Swiatek *6-2 Paolini - French Open women’s final first set
Saturday 8 June 2024 14:47 , Karl Matchett
Serving to stay in the set, then.
Paolini has a somewhat pained look now on every point, no doubt the reality of facing the super consistent Swiatek simply grinding down that optimism and confidence that reaching the final itself has produced.
The unforced errors are coming much quicker now and Swiatek goes 40-0 up, three break points to win the set.
She needs only one, with Paolini’s awkward shot after the service is returned going into the net - that’s 6-2 and first set to the reigning champion!
Swiatek 5-2 Paolini* - French Open women’s final first set
Saturday 8 June 2024 14:44 , Karl Matchett
Comprehensive. Crosscourt winner, unforced error hit long, same again long on backhand. Swiatek quickly into control.
Paolini hits back though, a really good volley and passing shot on the forehand when Swiatek comes to the net, for 40-15. But it’s not enough to really get back into the game, with Swiatek coming short again next point to pat one into the opposite corner and go three clear. The first set well within her grasp now.
*Swiatek 4-2 Paolini - French Open women’s final first set
Saturday 8 June 2024 14:40 , Karl Matchett
An attempted lob goes slightly long from Paolini, but then a neat pair of forehand shots gets her back level. That’s her first forehand winner of the match so far.
This is a vital game for the Italian you feel, mentally as well as in the contect of the first set - needs to stay in it while Swiatek is raising her level.
Another long rally follows - already the third or fourth really high-quality one involving both of them - and this time Paolini triumphs, but that’s as good as it gets. Swiatek earns a break point and a double service foul finishes matters, with the Pole a break up.
Swiatek 3-2 Paolini* - French Open women’s final first set
Saturday 8 June 2024 14:35 , Karl Matchett
Brilliant tennis from both, Swiatek forcing Paolini from side to side but the Italian responding fantastically each time. It’s a 25-shot rally, the longest of the game so far, but it ends in Swiatek absolutely hammering one into the far corner, no chance for her opponent.
The Pole looks in the groove suddenly and she hits another winner - her eighth to Paolini’s one - to go clear in this fifth game.
Both players firing back with a lot of power now but Swiatek closes matters out and she has won back-to-back games since losing her serve last time out.
*Swiatek 2-2 Paolini - French Open women’s final first set
Saturday 8 June 2024 14:30 , Karl Matchett
Important game for Paolini then - can she hold her service and make the most of her good start?
Swiatek shows her focus by winning the first two points, one after a long strike beyond the base line. Then it’s an erratic strike wide by Paolini, who grimaces - now perhaps she’s facing the real Swiatek, one with a challenge in front of her.
It’s a formidable response and the Pole lashes a backhand down the line to break back immediately, game to love.
Swiatek 1-2 Paolini* - French Open women’s final first set
Saturday 8 June 2024 14:27 , Karl Matchett
Paolini’s aggressive early stance is seeing Swiatek produce a few unforced errors here - two send the third game to 0-30 and the crowd sound their appreciation for the Italian.
Swiatek gets one back but a brilliant strike to the back of the court and a cheeky, well-timed drop-shot from Paolini see her take the next to earn two break points.
She only needs one - Swiatek wallops one super long and that’s a break of service for the underdog!
*Swiatek 1-1 Paolini - French Open women’s final first set
Saturday 8 June 2024 14:23 , Karl Matchett
Paolini looking strong and hitting hard. She sends Swiatek both sides with her service and keeps her moving cross-court after those first returns, some really good range into the corners on both forehand and backhand to storm into a 40-0 lead. Swiatek takes a point after a lengthy rally, before another looks like Paolini hits a brilliant backhand winner.
It’s called out though and a check confirms it - back to deuce.
No fear and no problem for Paolini though who comes through it and holds her service game - now she’ll feel she belongs in the final! Big fistpump to accompany the winning point.
Swiatek 1-0 Paolini* - French Open women’s final first set
Saturday 8 June 2024 14:16 , Karl Matchett
Paolini guesses where a Swiatek volley at the net is going and gets it right to power her first point of the final into the corner. Some big serves from the No1 are impossible to return, however, and the Italian has started on the back foot, but hitting powerfully.
One unforced error from Swiatek takes it to 40-30, but an ace gives the response required. First game to Swiatek.
*Swiatek 0-0 Paolini - French Open women’s final
Saturday 8 June 2024 14:13 , Karl Matchett
Iga Swiatek serves to start. A few last cheers and then we’re underway in the 2024 Roland Garros final!
A good return initially but then a strong backhand sends Paolini wide and she sends one long. First point to the Pole.
Swiatek v Paolini: French Open women’s singles final LIVE
Saturday 8 June 2024 14:11 , Karl Matchett
A few serves and returns for both players, a few final words from the umpire. We’re very close to go-time.
Swiatek is ranked world No1, Paolini is seeded 12th for this tournament.
Is a fourth French Open title in the offing for Swiatek?
Swiatek v Paolini: French Open women’s singles final LIVE
Saturday 8 June 2024 14:06 , Karl Matchett
Huge applause as the players come out onto the court.
A wave and a smile from Paolini ahead of her first Grand Slam final - her start today is going to be so important.
Pre-final photos at the net and then we’re about ready for the final warmup.
Swiatek v Paolini: French Open women’s singles final LIVE
Saturday 8 June 2024 14:03 , Karl Matchett
Plenty of pre-match appreciation for the strong forehand and good footwork from Paolini. That’s where the improvement has come, while Tim Henman says the return of serve is another area which is key today.
The players are warming up in the tunnel while the pre-match entertainment wraps up.
Swiatek v Paolini: French Open women’s singles final LIVE
Saturday 8 June 2024 13:50 , Karl Matchett
We are closing in on start time for the women’s singles final. Swiatek vs Paolini, Poland vs Italy, multiple Grand Slam winner against first-time finalist.
It could be a fantastic match but the Italian will really have to bring her A-game.
Swiatek v Paolini: French Open women’s singles final LIVE
Saturday 8 June 2024 13:46 , Karl Matchett
Big chance today for Swiatek too, though. She can move level with Justine Henin with four triumphs at the French Open and she has claimed 20 straight wins after becoming champion the last two years and reaching today’s final.
She could also become just the third player, male or female, to win the first five Grand Slam finals she has contested, following Roger Federer and Monica Seles.
Women’s singles titles at Roland-Garros, Open era:
Chris Evert, 7
Steffi Graf, 6
Justine Henin, 4
Iga Swiatek, 3
Monica Seles, 3
Serena Williams, 3
Margaret Court, 3
Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, 3
Swiatek v Paolini: French Open women’s singles final LIVE
Saturday 8 June 2024 13:40 , Karl Matchett
Much has been made of Jasmin Paolini’s run to this final compared to previous Grand Slam events - she had never been past a second round at any of the four until earlier this year, when she reached the fourth round at the Australian Open.
But she’s not without success: Paolini won the 2024 Dubai Championships to claim her first-ever WTA1000 singles title, while also appearing in the final of the Billie Jean King Cup in 2023, losing her match there to Leylah Fernandez as Canada beat Italy.
Paolini is also an Italian Open champion in doubles and, of course, has her final here in Paris tomorrow in the same event.
Swiatek v Paolini: French Open women’s singles final LIVE
Saturday 8 June 2024 13:30 , Karl Matchett
In terms of their French Open histories, one is obviously considerably better than the other - indeed the scope of Paolini’s improvement this year shows how far she’s come, but still the scale of her task today.
Swiatek at Roland Garros (singles):
2019 4th round
2020 Winner
2021 QF
2022 Winner
2023 Winner
2024 finalist so far...
Paolini at Roland Garros (singles):
2019 1st round
2020 2nd round
2021 2nd round
2022 first round
2023 second round
2024 finalist so far...
Swiatek v Paolini: French Open women’s singles final LIVE
Saturday 8 June 2024 13:20 , Karl Matchett
Route to the final:
As for Paolini, she has dropped more sets along the way and of course has had that doubles run too, but there have been some excellent wins for the No12 seed...
1st round bt D.Saville 6-3 6-4
2nd round bt H.Baptiste 6-4 7-6
3rd round bt. B.Andreescu 6-1 3-6 6-0
4th round bt E.Avanesyan 4-6 6-0 6-1
QF bt E.Rybakina 6-2 4-6 6-4
SF bt M.Andreeva 6-3 6-1
Swiatek v Paolini: French Open women’s singles final LIVE
Saturday 8 June 2024 13:11 , Karl Matchett
Route to the final:
Swiatek has barely missed a step, though she had a tough second-round clash and a tough semi-final opponent. Just one set dropped so far though...
1st round bt L.Jeanjean 6-1 6-2
2nd round bt N.Osaka 7-6 1-6 7-5
3rd round bt M.Bouzkova 6-4 6-2
4th round bt A.Potapova 6-0 6-0
QF bt M.Vondrousova 6-0 6-2
SF bt C.Gauff 6-2 6-4
Swiatek v Paolini: French Open women’s singles final LIVE
Saturday 8 June 2024 13:00 , Karl Matchett
Jasmine Paolini faces mission virtually impossible when she takes on world number one and defending champion Iga Swiatek in the French Open final.
While few would have bet against Swiatek reaching a third successive Paris final, Italian Paolini’s emergence from the other side of the draw was a huge surprise.
The 28-year-old had never even been past the second round at a grand slam until this year, and her 6-2 4-6 6-4 win over fourth seed Elena Rybakina in the quarter-final was one of the shocks of the tournament.
But the late bloomer has enjoyed a breakthrough year, beginning with a run to the fourth round in Australia and taking in a WTA 1000 title win in Dubai in February.
As an experienced Tour player, however, Paolini is certainly not likely to suffer a bout of the nerves which crippled 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva in their semi-final.
Surprise finalist Jasmine Paolini next up for French Open juggernaut Iga Swiatek
Swiatek v Paolini: French Open women’s singles final LIVE
Saturday 8 June 2024 12:50 , Karl Matchett
Worth noting, of course, that today won’t be Paolini’s only final this weekend: she has, incredibly, made the women’s doubles final too, along with partner Sara Errani.
They beat Elena-Gabriel Ruse and Marta Kostyuk yesterday in the semis and tomorrow play Coco Gauff and Katerina Siniakova in the final, on Philippe-Chatrier.
The Italian has odds of around 25/1 to win both finals.
Swiatek v Paolini: French Open women’s singles final LIVE
Saturday 8 June 2024 12:40 , Karl Matchett
Carlos Alcaraz is ready to fulfil his destiny and keep the Spanish flag flying over Roland Garros.
The 21-year-old has timed his run to a first French Open final perfectly following Rafael Nadal’s departure, possibly for the last time, at this tournament.
Nadal’s 14 wins across 19 years have defined the clay-court grand slam this century, but the Spanish influence stretches back to fellow former champions Juan Carlos Ferrero – now Alcaraz’s coach – Albert Costa and Carlos Moya.
Carlos Alcaraz wants to keep the Spanish flag flying over Roland Garros
Swiatek v Paolini: French Open women’s singles final LIVE
Saturday 8 June 2024 12:30 , Karl Matchett
Jasmine Paolini will try to accomplish something no one has been able to do in quite some time: defeat Iga Swiatek at the French Open.
The top-seeded Swiatek carries a 20-match Roland Garros winning streak into Saturday's final against 12th-seeded Paolini.
Play is scheduled to begin in Court Philippe Chatrier at 2pm BST.
Swiatek, a 23-year-old from Poland, is bidding for her third consecutive title in Paris. It would also be her fourth championship in five years at the clay court major and fifth Grand Slam trophy overall.
She is 4-0 in Grand Slam finals so far. She won the U.S. Open in 2022.
Italy's Paolini will be participating in a major final for the first time at age 28. She had never been past the second round at one of the four most important tennis tournaments until the Australian Open in January.
AP
Swiatek v Paolini: French Open women’s singles final LIVE
Saturday 8 June 2024 12:15 , Karl Matchett
Iga Swiatek will bid to win her third consecutive French Open as she takes on surprise package Jasmine Paolini in the final at Roland Garros.
Swiatek swept aside Coco Gauff in her semi-final to continue a dominant run since surviving a second round scare against Naomi Osaka.
The Pole, so commanding and controlling on clay, will start as the favourite as she targets a fifth grand slam, but Paolini has been the breakthrough star of the tournament and should provide stiff opposition.
The Italian had not been beyond the second round at a major before the start of the year yet has come of age in Paris to set up a shot at glory.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Is Iga Swiatek v Jasmine Paolini on TV? Start time, channel and how to watch
French Open women’s singles final LIVE
Saturday 8 June 2024 12:00 , Karl Matchett
Mirra Andreeva’s teenage dreams were shattered by Jasmine Paolini at the French Open.
Russian 17-year-old Andreeva, the youngest grand slam semi-finalist since Martina Hingis in 1997, froze on the big stage as Paolini, 28, reached her first major final.
It was a match with the biggest age gap between two women in a Roland Garros semi-final since Chris Evert, at 30, defeated 15-year-old Gabriela Sabatini in 1985.
Paolini is also inexperienced at this level, though, having until this year never progressed past the second round at a grand slam.
But she held her nerve where Andreeva’s deserted her, the youngster squandering all six of the break points she created.
Read how Paolini reached the final:
Mirra Andreeva’s dream dashed as Jasmine Paolini reaches first grand slam final
French Open women’s singles final LIVE
Saturday 8 June 2024 11:45 , Shrivathsa Sridhar
Few things have been as certain as a Rafa Nadal triumph at the French Open over the last two decades but Iga Swiatek has emerged as a sure shot among women and is eyeing a fourth title in five years when she meets Jasmine Paolini in Saturday’s final.
Barring a blip in a blockbuster second-round clash against Naomi Osaka where she saved a match point to go through, Swiatek has crushed opponents with her all-court game and 12th seed Paolini will need something special to deny her.
Such has been Swiatek’s dominance on clay that the top seed from Poland has won her last 20 matches at Roland Garros, as she bids for a third successive trophy to add to her maiden Grand Slam triumph in Paris four years ago.
The Madrid and Rome champion can also extend her winning streak on the surface to 19 matches, with fans and analysts suggesting she is well on the way to becoming a claycourt great like 14-times French Open champion Nadal.
“We’ll see in 14 years if the journey is similar,” four-times Grand Slam champion Swiatek told reporters after thumping third seed Coco Gauff in the semi-finals on Thursday.
“That’s obviously really nice. I’d never expect anybody to compare me to Rafa because for me he’s above everybody, and he’s a total legend.
“We’ll see... but I’m proud of myself that I’m playing consistently here and that I’m mentioned in the same sentence as Rafa. That’s cool.”
Swiatek’s semi-final win put her in elite company as she became only the third player since 2000 to make three straight French Open finals after Justine Henin (2005-07) and Maria Sharapova (2012-14).
At 23, she is also the second-youngest player in the Open era to reach four title clashes, older only than German great Steffi Graf in 1990.
“After the tournament it usually hits me what I achieved, but during it, I feel like I just need to play another match,” said Swiatek.
“Sometimes, it’s hard not to see what’s at stake and what the atmosphere is around these matches. I’m not used to it. It’s not the routine. On the other hand, when I’m focused on work, I can make it a routine because that’s easier to do.”
French Open women’s singles final LIVE
Saturday 8 June 2024 11:30 , Karl Matchett
Since surviving a match point in the second round against Naomi Osaka, in arguably the match of the tournament, Iga Swiatek’s route to the final has been more like a procession.
She won 20 games in a row over three matches against Marie Bouzkova (6-4 6-2), Anastasia Potapova (6-0 6-0) and Marketa Vondrousova (6-0 6-2), before rolling over Coco Gauff 6-2 6-4 in the semi-final.
Paolini may just have the element of surprise in her favour, though.
Swiatek said: “We played a long time ago, so I need to prepare tactically and see what her game is at now because for sure she’s playing... she has the best season, so she must have changed something.
“We’ll see because, honestly, I haven’t watched her matches, so there’s not a lot for me to say. I’ll just focus on myself and prepare tactically and try to be consistent with my tactics.”
French Open women’s singles final LIVE
Saturday 8 June 2024 11:15 , Andy Sims
Jasmine Paolini faces mission virtually impossible when she takes on world number one and defending champion Iga Swiatek in the French Open final.
While few would have bet against Swiatek reaching a third successive Paris final, Italian Paolini’s emergence from the other side of the draw was a huge surprise.
The 28-year-old had never even been past the second round at a grand slam until this year, and her 6-2 4-6 6-4 win over fourth seed Elena Rybakina in the quarter-final was one of the shocks of the tournament.
But the late bloomer has enjoyed a breakthrough year, beginning with a run to the fourth round in Australia and taking in a WTA 1000 title win in Dubai in February.
As an experienced Tour player, Paolini is certainly not likely to suffer a bout of the nerves which crippled 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva in their semi-final.
“Iga is an unbelievable player,” said Paolini. “So young, but so many achievements and grand slams. Here she won three times.
“She’s doing well week by week, and that’s not easy. So I have huge respect for her.
“But my goal is to step on court on Saturday and try to enjoy the match, to enjoy that moment and to try to play a good match and to make a good performance on court.”
Paolini has played Swiatek twice before, a 6-2 6-1 defeat in Prague six years ago and a 6-3 6-0 reverse in the first round of the 2022 US Open, which the Pole went on to win.
Paolini combines with Errani to reach women’s doubles final
Saturday 8 June 2024 11:00 , Jack Rathborn
Iga Swiatek on Rafa Nadal comparisons at French Open
Saturday 8 June 2024 10:45 , Jack Rathborn
"We'll see in 14 years if the journey is similar," four-times Grand Slam champion Swiatek told reporters after thumping third seed Coco Gauff in the semi-finals on Thursday.
"That's obviously really nice. I'd never expect anybody to compare me to Rafa because for me he's above everybody, and he's a total legend.
"We'll see... but I'm proud of myself that I'm playing consistently here and that I'm mentioned in the same sentence as Rafa. That's cool."
WTA call for even share of French Open prime time slots
Saturday 8 June 2024 10:30 , Jack Rathborn
The WTA has called for a balanced match schedule at the French Open that gives women's players their fair share of prime time billing after the Grand Slam featured men's matches in all 11 evening session slots this year.
In France, Amazon's Prime Video has exclusive broadcasting rights for the major's evening sessions, which run from the first round to the quarter-finals, and only one women's match was chosen to be the evening showpiece in both 2022 and 2023.
Tournament organisers missed an opportunity to highlight the blockbuster second round clash featuring defending champion Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka in the evening, with that three-setter hailed as one of the matches of the tournament so far.
"The generation and depth of talent we are currently witnessing in the sport is incredible," the governing body of women's tennis said in a statement.
"Fans want to see the excitement and thrill of women's tennis on the biggest stages and in the premium time slots.
"To continue building the value of our combined product, a balanced match schedule that features both the best in men's and women's tennis is critical."
Paolini in awe of Swiatek ahead of French Open final
Saturday 8 June 2024 10:15 , Jack Rathborn
“Iga is an unbelievable player,” said Paolini. “So young, but so many achievements and grand slams. Here she won three times.
“She’s doing well week by week, and that’s not easy. So I have huge respect for her.
“But my goal is to step on court on Saturday and try to enjoy the match, to enjoy that moment and to try to play a good match and to make a good performance on court.”
Paolini admits speaking Polish with Swiatek
Saturday 8 June 2024 10:00 , Jack Rathborn
Paolini was born and lives in Italy and represents that country, but speaks fondly of memories of spending part of her childhood in Poland, where one of her grandmothers lives, and also has a grandfather from Ghana.
She's talked during the tournament about being proud of her roots, and she's answered news conference questions in Italian, English and Polish.
So does she ever chat with Swiatek in Polish in the locker room?
"Yes," Paolini said, her ever-present smile transforming into a laugh, "but I hope she doesn't ask me too many questions."
Jasmine Paolini on her French Open breakthrough
Saturday 8 June 2024 09:45 , Jack Rathborn
“Often, I heard, ‘You play well’ and ‘You could do more. You can get good results. You could do great things.’ But I never really believed it deep down, which is something that has changed lately,” Paolini said.
“The on-court results are something tangible, more concrete, to me than someone telling me, ‘You can do great things.’ It helps to win more matches — or even lose ones that were hard-fought against strong opponents.”
French Open 2024: Swiatek v Paolini - women’s singles final
Saturday 8 June 2024 09:30 , Jack Rathborn
Iga Swiatek on why she suits clay so much
Saturday 8 June 2024 09:15 , Jack Rathborn
“The surface makes my game better. My grip allows me to spin more.
“I can play more defense points because it’s a bit slower, but on the other hand, I have also more time to attack sometimes.
“So I feel like I’m just using it well.”
French Open 2024: Swiatek v Paolini - women’s singles final
Saturday 8 June 2024 09:00 , Jack Rathborn
French Open women’s singles final LIVE
Saturday 8 June 2024 08:40 , Shrivathsa Sridhar
The WTA has called for a balanced match schedule at the French Open that gives women’s players their fair share of prime time billing after the Grand Slam featured men’s matches in all 11 evening session slots this year.
In France, Amazon’s Prime Video has exclusive broadcasting rights for the major’s evening sessions, which run from the first round to the quarter-finals, and only one women’s match was chosen to be the evening showpiece in both 2022 and 2023.
Tournament organisers missed an opportunity to highlight the blockbuster second round clash featuring defending champion Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka in the evening, with that three-setter hailed as one of the matches of the tournament so far.
“The generation and depth of talent we are currently witnessing in the sport is incredible,” the governing body of women’s tennis said in a statement.
“Fans want to see the excitement and thrill of women’s tennis on the biggest stages and in the premium time slots.
“To continue building the value of our combined product, a balanced match schedule that features both the best in men’s and women’s tennis is critical.”
French Open organisers did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Tournament director and twice Grand Slam champion Amelie Mauresmo had said last year they could “do better” on evening scheduling and Tunisian eighth seed Ons Jabeur was less than happy to play her quarter-final in the morning this year.
“I would have loved a quarter-final at night, not at 11 a.m. For me, it doesn’t make sense... I don’t know the broadcasts. I don’t know the TV, but yeah, you achieve a quarter-final, it’s like ‘no, you play at 11’,” Jabeur said.
“Honestly, I wish I can see the contract time between both Prime and here to know what’s the deal there. There were a lot of good women’s matches.
“Obviously not four hours, but who said it’s healthy to play past 1 a.m. and who said the stadium was full for 1 a.m. or 2 a.m.? I don’t know who is watching the matches at that time.
“I would suggest to start earlier and then put nice matches on both sides. It’s not healthy also for players to play past, I don’t know, midnight.”
Not all women’s players prefer evening matches, however, with Swiatek saying she was much more comfortable playing in warm weather during the day.
“I like playing during the day, so it’s comfortable for me that I can be scheduled that way,” she said.
“Probably there are many factors, a lot of requests... I understand some decisions, like me and Naomi being in the day when Richard Gasquet played during the night.
“It’s obvious that a French player might have priority in terms of night sessions.”
The key to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s ‘weird’ French Open semi-final
Saturday 8 June 2024 08:30 , Karl Matchett
Yesterday evening in the men’s semis, Carlos Alcaraz edged Jannik Sinner over five sets - here’s Jamie Braidwood’s rundown of how another epic unfolded...
As Carlos Alcaraz advanced into his first French Open final, the 21-year-old broke into a wide smile. He had beaten rival Jannik Sinner in five sets, overturning a rocky start to outlast the player who will be turning world No 1 on Monday. Alcaraz’s victory, 2-6 6-3 3-6 6-4 6-3 in four hours and nine minutes, was not the classic that was expected between the two finest players of their generation, but it was a victory to display the vast amount of experience the Spaniard has already accumulated on these stages, acquiring the physical and mental tools to progress.
“You have to find the joy in suffering, that’s the key, even more on clay in Roland Garros,” Alcaraz grinned. “Long rallies, four-hour matches, five sets, you have to suffer. But you have to enjoy suffering.” He is now the youngest player in tennis history to reach grand slam finals on all three surfaces, after winning the US Open and Wimbledon. Unlike the 22-year-old Sinner, this was not his first time in a French Open semi-final. While Sinner struggled with cramps, stretching out his hand and arm due to “tension” in the third set, Alcaraz had been there before.
The key to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s ‘weird’ French Open semi-final
French Open women’s singles final LIVE
Saturday 8 June 2024 08:20 , The Independent
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the final live on Eurosport 1, with build-up on the channel from 1.30pm BST. Subscribers can stream the action via discovery+.
Watch every moment of Roland-Garros LIVE and exclusive on discovery+, Eurosport and Eurosport App.
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French Open women’s singles final LIVE
Friday 7 June 2024 17:24 , Karl Matchett
Good morning and welcome to our coverage on The Independent of the women’s singles final at Roland Garros - it’s the queen of clay Iga Swiatek against debutant grand slam finalist Jasmine Paolini.
All the buildup on the way.
Iga Swiatek beats enraged Coco Gauff to reach French Open final
Friday 7 June 2024 16:02 , Jack Rathborn
Iga Swiatek moved one step away from a fourth French Open title as Coco Gauff was reduced to tears during her semi-final exit on Thursday at Roland Garros.
An emotional Gauff had a blazing row with umpire Aurelie Tourte, telling the official she “should be ashamed” for not overturning a call.
The 20-year-old American then wiped tears from her eyes as boos rang out all around Court Philippe Chatrier.
World No 1 Swiatek, a seemingly unstoppable force at Roland Garros, went on to register her 20th consecutive win here, 6-2, 6-4.
Iga Swiatek beats enraged Coco Gauff to reach French Open final
