Roland Garros: Swiatek Continues Shining

Iga Swiatek might not have been able to keep the lid of the French Open trophy in her grasp, but another dominant victory at Roland Garros showed the world number one has no intention of loosening her grip of the women's game.

The 22-year-old from Poland won her third title in four years at the clay-court Grand Slam by digging in to win 6-2 5-7 6-4 against Czech opponent Karolina Muchova on Saturday.

Not everything went to plan for Swiatek, who led 6-2 3-0 before Muchova's fightback created tension for the world number one.

Ultimately, she regained composure when it mattered, winning the final three games from a break down in the decider.

Then came another moment of panic in the post-match celebrations.

Seconds after being presented with the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen, which she also lifted in 2020 and 2022, fear spread across Swiatek's face when the lid flew off the trophy when she was shaking it in celebration.

"I honestly felt like I was holding it with my finger, so I guess all the emotions caused that," the four-time major champion said with a smile.

Looking at the trophy in front of her during her news conference, she said: "Sorry. I don't mean to be disrespectful.

"I'm glad the trophy is fine and it won't happen again - probably.

Swiatek has been the dominant player on the WTA Tour over the past 15 months, replacing the retired Ashleigh Barty as the world number one last year and holding the top ranking for 62 consecutive weeks.

This season she has come under pressure from Belarus' Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka - who could have replaced her as number one here - and Kazakhstan's Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina.

Having won the past five majors between them and led the tour this season, the trio have become known as the emerging 'big three' of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA).

- Author: Jonathan Jurejko, BBC