 "Iga Swiatek will face Jasmine Paolini in the women's singles final of the 2024 French Open. AP")
Iga Swiatek enters the French Open final as the overwhelming favourite in her quest for a third successive title in Paris against surprise challenger Jasmine Paolini.
World No. 1 Swiatek is vying to become the fourth woman in the Open era to lift the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen four times – after Justine Henin, Chris Evert and Steffi Graf.
Only two, however, have won the French Open three years in a row – Henin (2005-07) and Monica Seles (1990-92) – but Swiatek’s supremacy on the clay in Paris has attracted comparisons with Rafael Nadal, winner of 14 men’s titles and someone who holds a 112-4 record at the second major in the year.
“We’ll see in 14 years if the journey is similar. That’s obviously really nice for me,” said Swiatek.
“I would never expect anybody to compare me to Rafa because for me he’s above everybody, and he’s a total legend.
“We’ll see in couple of years, 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.”
The 23-year-old Swiatek has won all four of her previous major finals and will bid to extend that run against Paolini.
Swiatek has won both her previous meetings with the 12th seed Paolini, although the last of those was at the 2022 US Open and the Italian is enjoying the best year of her career by far.
Paolini, 28, is into her first Grand Slam final after defeating 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva. That came after she knocked out former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, the only player to beat Swiatek on clay this season.
It is a huge uptick in results for someone who had never gone beyond the second round of a major before this season began.
The world number 15 had won only four matches in 16 Grand Slam appearances before advancing to the fourth round of the Australian Open.
Now, she is one win away from an improbable title as she tries to emulate compatriot Francesca Schiavone, who won the 2010 French Open. Paolini’s doubles partner Sara Errani lost the 2012 final to Maria Sharapova.
Paolini is the first Italian woman into a Grand Slam final since Flavia Pennetta beat Roberta Vinci to win the 2015 US Open.
“I was watching the other Italians make it in the finals, and also won Grand Slams, but (to) imagine that can be myself was tough,” said Paolini.
“Of course, I wished, but now it’s something crazy for me. I’m really happy. Also surprised.”
“I never dreamed to be, you know, number one, Grand Slam champion. Never dreamed so big. Never,” she added.
Heading into the 2024 French Open, the question was whether anyone could stop Swiatek, who arrived in Paris having won titles in Madrid and Rome.
Former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka, on her least successful surface, had match point against Swiatek in the second round but could not get the job done.
Swiatek has upped the intensity and anet since that scare, conceding a mere 14 games in four matches, and could become the 15th player in the Open era to win a major after saving a match point.
Her last defeat at Roland Garros came to Maria Sakkari in the 2021 quarter-finals. Swiatek’s only other loss here was in the fourth round of her debut in 2019.
Swiatek’s idol Nadal won 31 straight matches before succumbing to Robin Soderling in his fifth visit to the tournament. In her sixth trip here, Swiatek’s win-loss record reads 34-2.
The Pole is taking nothing for granted and is trying to just focus on delivering another accomplished performance.
“Sometimes, yeah, it’s hard not to see what’s at stake and what the atmosphere is around these matches. So still I’m not used to it. It’s not the routine.”
This is certainly uncharted territory for Paolini. This time last year, she was playing a WTA 125 event, below the top tier, in Croatia.
The biggest moment of her career now lies before her, with the toughest assignment in women’s tennis standing between her and French Open glory.
When is the French Open women’s singles final?
The women’s singles final of the French Open is on 8 June (Saturday)
What time is the French Open women’s singles final?
The French Open women’s final will start at 6:30 PM IST.
Which TV channel is broadcasting the French Open women’s final?
The French Open is being broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network in India.
Where to live stream the French Open women’s final?
French Open women’s final can be live streamed on SonyLiv app and website in India.