Iga Swiatek into another Roland Garros final: Every year I have a good result here

French Open
Iga Swiatek at French Open

Defending champion Iga Swiatek beat Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-2, 7-6 (7) in Thursday’s French Open women’s singles event semi-final at Roland Garros.

Haddad Maia showed her intent from the first game, breaking Swiatek to love, but the Pole already has a formidable record at Roland Garros and hit back swiftly and strongly to take the first set.

The second was a real ding-dong battle, with Haddad Maia moving 3-1 ahead and pushing for another break after Swiatek, who had not lost more than four games in a set, fought back.

It was a similar story in the tie-break, with Haddad Maia up 5-3 and creating a set point at 6-5, but she netted a tight forehand.

The 14th seed produced a stunning forehand down the line to save Swiatek’s first match point but on the second she powered away a forehand to claim victory.

“It’s really amazing. I’m happy that I’m able to play consistently, every year I have a good result here, so I’m pretty excited for Saturday,” said Swiatek.

“It wasn’t easy, she’s a fighter. I’m happy that I played so well in the tie-breaker. I’m just glad that I was solid and I managed to finish these last shots.”

The Polish Star, who won the French Open in 2022 and 2020, is also the defending US Open champion.

She will meet the unseeded Karolina Muchova in the final. Muchova overcame No 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 (5) 6-7 (5) 7-5 in Thursday’s first semi-final.

“I got on the better wave. I could see that she was struggling a little bit and doing fast mistakes. I was just trying to keep her there,” said Muchova.

“To be now in a grand slam final, it’s for sure my dream. I’m super, super glad that I’m here and that I’m going to play a final on Saturday.”

Sabalenka added: “She played unbelievable tennis. Still, I had a lot of opportunities, and I didn’t use it. Of course I’m very disappointed with this tough loss, but that’s okay.

“She kind of stepped in and started playing a little bit more aggressive, and I kind of lost my rhythm. I wasn’t there.

“What I was doing, and hopefully I will keep doing it this season, that’s incredible, just next level. I don’t look at this tournament as a negative tournament. I think I did a great improvement on the clay court, and it’s my best result here.”

READ MORE: Karolina Muchova ousts Aryna Sabalenka to reach French Open final

Beatriz Haddad Maia Iga Swaitek

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