Congrats Iga Swiatek, 2023 French Open Champion!! What a fantastic match for Swiatek and game effort from Muchova. During the early part of the match, I was thinking, “Wow, if Muchova settles down and stops beating herself, she’s got a shot.” Muchova has the firepower and athleticism to stay with Iga. Kudos to Muchova, who showed a bright top 10 future.
But this day was about Iga. In the second set, as Muchova came back and closed out the 2nd set, I mused whether Iga could “take a punch” (metaphorically, of course). To me, that was the real test. On her good days, almost no one can stay with Iga. She’s just THAT GOOD! So, when someone does stay with her, does push her, how will she respond? She can be a bit “nervy” (see 2nd set double on set point) Well, you couldn’t have asked for more toughness and heart in winning the 3rd set and taking home her third French Open! She got up. She kept getting up. She punched back. Well-deserved and even scarier for the rest of the field!
Here’s why. Iga is no where near her full potential. She’s 22, has 4 majors and at times runs through opponents in a way not seen since dare I say Serena? Monica? Steffi? Martina? Chrissy? I’m not trying to stir that pot and compare (yet). I also know Iga doesn’t like the “bagel” jokes, but they’re being made because she has the ability to completely shut down her opponent, zero, nothing, nada! That’s impressive. Now, add in the heart and fight you saw today. Add in she will improve her serves, improve her volleys, improve on fast courts. The field is in trouble. I agree that Rybakina and Sabalenka are making it interesting now. They both have enormous firepower and can impose their game. They’ve beaten her in big situations. They’re going to make her play close matches. They’re going to make her show that fight and heart. Iga’s ready! Women’s tennis has a great future! Celebrate Iga!!
What do you think?