Swiatek begins her French Open title defence with win over Cristina

• World number one Iga Swiatek began her title defence at the French Open by beating Cristina Bucsa to move into the next round
• The Poland international, who is chasing a third title at Roland Garros in four years, beat Cristina 6-4 6-0 on a windy afternoon on Philippe Chatrier court

World number one Iga Swiatek began her title defence at the French Open by beating Cristina Bucsa to move into the next round.

Swiatek secured a 6-4 6-0 win over Spain’s Cristina on a windy afternoon on Philippe Chatrier court in an hour and 13 minutes. The Poland international, who is chasing a third title at Roland Garros in four years, had beat Cristina in less than an hour when the two met at this year’s Australian Open.

Iga Swiatek beat Spain’s Cristina Bucsa 6-4 6-0. Photo/ Eurosport.

Iga Swiatek is the favourite in Paris. The Pole, who turns 22 today, was quizzed on events over the last month in her post-match interview. There have been questions raised on Swiatek’s fitness after she had to retire from the Italian Open with a thigh injury.

“I just felt more tense, for sure. But I managed to turn that around and not think about all the stuff that is usually bothering when you play your first match. You hear a bit more, you have to get used to the stuff surrounding you. I just felt like I needed to gain some information to play more solid. I did that.” Iga Swiatek said, as per Reuters.

How The Game Unfolded

Iga Swiatek was under pressure after Cristina fired a crosscourt backhand into the tramlines as she fell a break down at 2-1. However, Cristina failed to maintain her break with a hold, allowing Swiatek to bite straight back with an amazing forehand. The Pole then converted a second break point from deuce to level the set.

Cristina proved to be a tough opponent for Swiatek as she broke her again after taking advantage of a double-fault by the 22-year-old Poland international. However, Swiatek was not allowing her opponent and breathing space as she made it four breaks in a row to settle the scores at 3-3.

There was normal service afterwards as both players exchanged holds. Once again, Cristina made the world number one to sweat before she fended off a break point. The Pole then completed the turnaround at 5-4 before forcing Cristina into an error on her forehand. She then calmly took the first set in 47 minutes.

Iga Swiatek. Photo/ Tennis World USA.

Swiatek looked dominant in the second set right from kick-off, making it a straightforward affair. She managed seven points in a row to bring up an early break point. She grabbed the break on the second attempt.

Claiming a sixth consecutive game in the set, it was clear Swiatek was cruising into the next round at Roland Garros. She had a hold to 30 to move one game away from victory. Eventually, she claimed the set while making it look so easy in rapid fashion.

Iga Swiatek looks set to add to her 2020 and 2022 French Open titles and protect her spot.