Naomi Osaka had Iga Swiatek on the ropes.
But Swiatek dug deep on Wednesday to battle back from match point to secure a 7-6, 1-6, 7-5 thriller over the four-time major champion in the second round of the French Open.
For Swiatek, the win keeps alive her quest for a three-peat at Roland Garros. The loss marks disappointment for Osaka, who was on the verge of a milestone win in her second major tournament since returning to tennis for the birth of her child.
Swiatek battled to a 7-6 tiebreak win in the first set. Osaka then dominated the second set to set up a drama-filled third. Osaka broke broke Swiatek’s first serve of the third set to put the three-time (2020, 2022, 2023) French Open champion on the ropes.
But with the match on the line, Swiatek went on to secure her first break of the set with Osaka leading, 5-3 and serving for the win. Swiatek held serve to tie the match then broke Osaka again to take a 6-5 lead. With the match on her racket, Swiatek held serve.
For Swiatek — who’s dominant on clay — she avoided the first loss of her career in the opening three rounds at the French Open. She also extended her Grand Slam streak of advancing to the third round to 17 tournaments.
This story will be updated.
Source Agencies
