Roland-Garros: Iga Swiatek joins Karolina Muchova in the final and retains the first place in the world

Still impressive... but hustled! Iga Swiatek, world number one had to fight against the Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia in two sets hooked (6-2, 7-6 [9-7]) this Thursday in the semifinals of Roland-Garros. She joined Karolína Muchová in the final, the Czech having created a surprise earlier in the afternoon. The Pole has still not lost a set in this 2023 edition and will advance as a huge favorite Saturday against the 43rd player in the world. Swiatek will be aiming for a third title in three finals on the Parisian clay after 2020 and 2022.

His victory of the day also allows Iga Swiatek to be sure to occupy the first place in the world on Monday morning. The defeat of Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka in the other semifinal gives her this privilege. But the one whose name must be pronounced "Swiantek" aims much more. At only 22 years old, she already has three Grand Slam titles, having won the 2022 US Open in addition to her two Roland Garros titles.

😱 SWIATEK IS UNPLAYABLE! #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/Xy4jNckpW1

— Prime Video Sport France (@PVSportFR) June 8, 2023

Facing Beatriz Haddad Maia, ranked 14th in the world, the Pole struggled to enter the first set, losing her entry serve. Before rebelling and sticking a 6-2 to his opponent. Accustomed to rallies, the Brazilian has not given up anything. The first game of the second round? Ten minutes! Suffice to say that Iga Swiatek, who had spent only 5:30 on the courts (a record this year) before this match, understood then that the fight would be long.

Pushed as rarely by this combative left-hander and endowed with an impressive length of ball, the Pole had to make the back round throughout this second set, until a crazy decisive game with points decided for a matter of millimeters. The show was at the rendezvous this Thursday evening. More than two hours of play on a Centre Court whose public would have taken a third set.