Unseeded Swiatek wins historic French Open title

IGA Swiatek made history as she to secured her maiden Grand Slam title, beating fourth seed Sofia Kenin in straight sets in the French Open women’s singles final on Saturday.

The unseeded 19-year-old withstood relentless pressure from the American to prevail 6-4, 6-1 and become the first Grand Slam champion from Poland.

“First of all I’m not very good at speeches so sorry because I won my last tournament like three years ago and I really don’t know who to thank, but I want to thank every person that’s made this tournament possible because in these times it was pretty hard for the federation, the organisation to do the tournament,” Swiatek said in her post-match interview.

“I’m pretty happy we can still do our job, and enjoy and entertain people so thank you very much. It’s crazy for me because I was watching every year how Rafa lifts the trophy so it’s crazy that I’m in the same place but I want to thank all the fans and the people who are watching in Poland. I know it’s pretty crazy back home.”

Swiatek is the first woman since Justine Henin in 2007 to clinch the title without conceding a set and only the second unseeded champion at Roland-Garros, after Jelena Ostapenko three years ago. Like Ostapenko, it also marked her first tour title.

She will rise from her current mark of No.54 in the rankings to world No.17.