Iga Swiatek is one step away from a second French Open title in three years, however the world primary will face a singular problem on Saturday in teenager Coco Gauff in a event that always proved unpredictable.
Poland's Swiatek is on a exceptional 34-match profitable streak and may the 2020 Roland Garros champion elevate the Suzanne Leglen Cup once more, she's going to match Venus Williams's run from 2000 - the longest on the ladies' tour within the 2000s.
Her last file can be spectacular because the 21-year-old has gained the final eight finals she has performed, shedding greater than 4 video games solely twice in these matches.
She has a singular recreation, together with her gentle footwork, highly effective forehand, and unsettling slice proving a nightmare to deal with as her opponents throughout this fortnight have realised.
2022 FRENCH OPEN | ||
| Iga Swiatek | Coco Gauff | |
| 1st spherical | beat Lesia Tsurenko (UKR) 6-2, 6-0 | beat Rebecca Marino (CAN) 7-5, 6-0 |
| 2nd spherical | beat Alison Riske (USA) 6-0, 6-2 | beat Alison Van Uytvanck (BEL) 6-1, 7-6 (4) |
| third spherical | beat Danka Kovinic (MNG) 6-3, 7-5 | beat Kaia Kanepi (EST) 6-3, 6-4 |
| 4th spherical | beat Qinwen Zheng (CHN) 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-0 | beat Elise Mertens (BEL) 6-4, 6-0 |
| Quarterfinal | beat Jessica Pegula (USA) 6-3, 6-2 | beat Sloane Stephens (USA) 7-5, 6-2 |
| Semifinal | beat Daria Kasatkina (RUS) 6-2, 6-1 | beat Martina Trevisan (ITA) 6-3, 6-1 |
Swiatek has solely dropped one set and confirmed occasional indicators of nerves earlier than steamrolling Daria Kasatkina within the semi-finals in an awe-inspiring demonstration of mastery.
Nerves have usually been a deciding think about finals however there's little likelihood that Swiatek, who has been working with a psychologist, will battle together with her composure.
"I am simply making an attempt to deal with these (last) matches as every other matches, as a result of it's disturbing, and I settle for that. However I wish to hold doing the identical work," she mentioned.
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"It has been occurring nicely. I am additionally conscious generally my opponents are pressured so I am making an attempt to type of realise that and never panic about my very own stress.
"Remembering why I acquired right here and what my strengths are, that is actually serving to me. So I believe it is all concerning the mindset and the preparation I've earlier than the match."
On the opposite facet of the online is an 18-year-old who has developed right into a strong claycourt participant and can play her second last right here after profitable the juniors title in 2018.
Will probably be her first Grand Slam last on the principle tour, however Gauff, seeded 18th, insists, she's going to go into the competition with none strain.
"I believe getting in I've nothing to lose and he or she's positively the favorite going into the match on paper," mentioned Gauff, who misplaced her two encounters towards Swiatek in straight units.
Head-to-head file
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"However I believe that getting in, I am simply going to play free and play my greatest tennis. I believe in a Grand Slam last something can occur."
Chris Evert, an 18-time Grand Slam champion and Eurosport tennis knowledgeable, believes Gauff is one the uncommon gamers who can derail Swiatek.
"To me, the one participant who can beat Swiatek is a participant with a number of firepower and a giant serve," she defined.
"At this level, that’s the best way it’s trying. Coco Gauff is the one kind of participant, and sort of recreation, that may actually overpower Iga at this level."
