Well thank you so much for joining for this incredible final. The first set looked as though Swiatek was going to swagger to another straight sets win but Muchova came alive in the second to push her all the way. It’s a famous epic that will go down in history, if you want to catch up with the action have a read of the report below. We will be covering the men’s singles final live tomorrow, between Djokovic and Ruud, so make sure you tune into that. But for now have a great Saturday!
The moment that sealed Swiatek’s win:
THAT MOMENT 🥹🇵🇱#RolandGarros #Paris @iga_swiatek @WTA pic.twitter.com/Dy0NnNLOZD
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 10, 2023
Swiatek with her trophy:
Roland-Garros title No.3 🏆🏆🏆 #RolandGarros @iga_swiatek pic.twitter.com/J9Mn7ABFx9
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 10, 2023
Swiatek says: “Thank you guys! First of all congrats to Karolina, since we first played I know we were going to play tough matches. I was really struck with your variety on court, I know we are going to have many more finals. Congrats to your team as well. I wouldn’t be here without my team, thank you guys. I know we won this tournament but it isn’t easy. Thank you to my family as well, so many people have come from Poland I really feel the love. I know I have said this every year, It isn’t really about the performance I really love being here – it’s my favourite place on tour.”
Now it’s Swiatek’s time in the sun. A huge roar greets the winner as she waves at the crowd. She lifts the trophy, shakes it and the top comes off! She laughs and she was going to put it back on but she decides to celebrate more with it first. Swiatek is the first woman to defend the title for 16 years. The Polish national anthem ahead of her interview.
Updated
Muchova is now accepting her runners-up trophy, she gets an ovation and a roar of applause from the crowd. She pushed Swiatek all the way. She lifts the trophy aloft, getting slightly emotional and says: “I’ll try to keep it short as it is emotional. This is incredible, thank you everyone. It’s been amazing three weeks in Paris. This was so close but so far but this is what happens when you play the best. Iga I want to congratulate you once again and your team. I want to thank everyone behind the curtains as well. I would like to thank each one of you, thank you I think I wouldn’t be standing here if you didn’t push me in each match. I have never lived this and it is unbelievable. Last one to my team, my box. This is the hardest one. When I look at those people I feel like I am the winner so thank you.”
Updated
Evert – who won 92% of her matches at the French Open - is out on court and images of her playing at the tournament are being shown on screen. The umpire gets her award for officiating this final.
The ground staff are now out on court to the applause of the players and the crowd. And now the trophy is out and being placed – Chris Evert will be giving the trophy to Swiatek. Evert won seven French Open titles during her career.
A montage of Swiatek’s French Open run is shown in court, the world number one watches on and smiles to herself. The presentation is beginning with the ball kids first out to an applause and then the line judges emerge.
The photographers gather, ready for the trophy celebration and interviews to come. I’m still collecting myself from that cracking match.
This slam title is the 22-year-old’s fourth of her career – three French Opens and one US Open.
Swiatek has gone up to her box to embrace them all after a huge battle. I can’t quite believe what we have just seen. Muchova won’t be in the top ten yet but watch this space – what a match she had.
Swiatek sunk to her knees and cries as she secures the title, Muchova embraces her and they have a small chat. These two have put on an epic final – one that will live in memories for a life time. This is the first French Open final she has won over three sets, the other two were straight set wins.
Swiatek wins French Open title after beating Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-4
SWIATEK WINS EPIC! Here’s how the final game played out: Muchova forces the ball out and Swiatek is three points from the title. Make that two with another Muchova error putting her 30-0. A powerful serve see Swiatek unable to return but another error sees Swiatek on championship points and she has two of them. And a double fault gives her the title!
Updated
Muchova must hold her serve, if she doesn’t Swiatek will win her third French Open title.
Swiatek 6-2, 5-7, 5-4* Muchova (*denotes next server)
Swaitek pushes her shot long, surely we can’t have another break here?! I could not predict the winner of this one, I don’t think anyone could. Swiatek then hits the net and Muchova is 30-0 up. An expert forehand winner from Swiatek to get herself on the board – Muchova has had six games where she has been 30-0 up and none have gone to 40-0 – and Muchova has an unforced error to put it 30-30. Muchova has break point, this is a HUGE moment in this final. Huge! She can’t convert it and we head to deuce with Swiatek’s attack too much. Muchova hits the net twice for Swiatek to hold.
Swaitek breaks back! Swiatek 6-2, 5-7, *4-4 Muchova (*denotes next server)
This is such an important hold of serve – it gives Muchova two chances to see out the set (and the title). But she can’t hold as Swiatek is the one to win the first point with a forehand winner. And she gets another! Swiatek is even better when she is coming from behind, those are two strong points. Now “Iga” is being chanted. An unforced error gives Swiatek a break point but Muchova saves the first with a long shot from the net. And she saves another break point with an ace! This final is incredible!! We head to deuce and Swiatek gets the advantage with a backhand deft touch – her third break point. And she gets it with Muchova using the wrong shot.
Updated
Swiatek shook her right hand after the double fault and her forehand is faltering a bit. Muchova is doing the most to try and exploit points from that.
Muchova breaks again! Swiatek 6-2, 5-7, 3-4* Muchova (*denotes next server)
A massive rally ends with Swiatek hitting the net, that was a great bit of play from both athletes. A double fault gives Muchova a 30-0 lead and “Muchova” chants echo around the court. But she can’t capailise on the good start as she pushes her shot out but this time she gets her break point with a great drop shot! And there! She spots a weakness in her forehand and exploits it, another break. Peter has said: “Muchova plays in a way that Swiatek won’t meet often. Slice, drop shots, net attacks are not usual for top women players, especially not on clay. Muchova’s record against the best ranked players says that Swiatek isn’t alone in being bothered by it.” She has beaten the likes of Sabalenka and Barty.
Swiatek 6-2, 5-7, *3-3 Muchova (*denotes next server)
Muchova races to a 30-0 lead but Swiatek smacks the ball past Muchova – what a shot. Two errors from Swiatek sees Muchova close to holding – a really important hold here, she can’t give Swiatek an inch. There it is! Jim has got in touch and said: “She [Swiatek] is scared of her opponents passing shots (she is very reluctant to
go to the net) and she is scared of her opponents volleys (she keeps
lobbing when it seems easier to pass). She needs to play more doubles.” Her game is definitely weaker when she is closer to the net.
A fun fact from Eurosport – Swiatek has won 53 matches and lost one match on clay when winning the first set. That only loss coming against Muchova.
Swiatek 6-2, 5-7, 3-2* Muchova (*denotes next server)
Is the change of momentum coming again? Muchova’s shot has too much on it and a perfectly weighted shot from Swiatek puts her 30-0 up. The Polish player’s first ace of the match comes to put her a point away from holding. And an unforced error gives her it.
Swaitek breaks back! Swiatek 6-2, 5-7, *2-2 Muchova (*denotes next server)
That is delightful from Swiatek, she’s on the baseline and spliced a beautiful ball past Muchova. She goes 30-0 up as the ball clips the net – Swiatek apologises for the bounce of that. Muchova thought she had that point with a long shot but it is just out, Swiatek has break point. Muchova saves the first with a volley but she hits the net and Swiatek breaks.
Jam has got in touch and said: “She is letting the game slip through her fingers. Whats going wrong for her? No one can tell.” I think Muchova has just grown into this match, she played fantastic tennis to win the second set and Swiatek was a bit rocked by that in the opening of the third. That hold of serve will go far for her though, this final is far from over.
Swiatek 6-2, 5-7, 1-2* Muchova (*denotes next server)
Swiatek’s first hold of serve since midway through the second set. Two succinct points for Swiatek puts her 30-0 up, she shakes her fist in celebration. But a lovely and calm point there from Muchova – Swiatek comes close to the net and Muchova hits it down the line. An unforced error put Swiatek a point away from holding and she gets it!
Swiatek 6-2, 5-7, *0-2 Muchova (*denotes next server)
Swiatek maybe a little rocked as the second set was the first she has dropped all of this year’s French Open. This game opens with a well-read point as Muchova comes forward to the net to take the ball away from Swaitek. The world number one is unable to return the serve and the momentum in this match has shifted. And two aces and Muchova holds.
Muchova breaks early in third set! Swiatek 6-2, 5-7, 0-1* Muchova (*denotes next server)
Swiatek splices her return and it’s out and now she is shouting with frustration as another error comes into play. And that is a delicious shot form Muchova to give her break point – this would be her fourth break of Swiatek in a row. And a double fault gives her the break!
Updated
That moment was huge! Those points made Chris Evert just groan with how good the shots are, she couldn’t believe what she was seeing. The crowd loves it, I bet you all at home love it. This final gets the third set it deserves.
Muchova wins second set 7-5 to take final to third set
What a hold of serve to win this set! An unforced error puts Swiatek 15-0 up, it’s as though these players are better when they aren’t in the better position in this second set. A double fault sees the world number one 30-0, Muchova plays a good forehand to get herself on the board in this game and an ace levels it 30-30. An error from Swiatek gives Muchova set point but she falters and we are at deuce. She gets set point again though as she waits for Swiatek to move before placing the ball but Swiatek defends so well! We are back to deuce, she was like a dog with a bone there – determined to not let it slip. Incredible play! Both secure fantastic shots that looked out but Muchova comes away with an advantage – her third set point and she takes it! This final is going all the way.
Muchova’s third successive break! Swiatek 6-2, 5-6* Muchova (*denotes next server)
Swiatek re-directs the ball perfectly to force Muchova to hit the net but what a wonderous return from Muchova to level it 15-15. The Czech player goes 30-15 up, she couldn’t break Swiatek again could she? She may, she has break point as Swiatek hits the net. She does it! She will serve once more the second set.
Swiatek breaks back! Swiatek 6-2, *5-5 Muchova (*denotes next server)
This is Muchova’s chance to be right back in this final. Two unforced errors sees Swiatek 30-0 up, a huge roar comes from the crowd as Swiatek pops one out – these fans want to see this go to three sets. A really poor shot from Muchova, sending the ball into the stands, and Swiatek has break point – she takes it on the first time of asking.
Muchova break Swiatek again to serve for the second set! Swiatek 6-2, 4-5* Muchova (*denotes next server)
Swaitek gives herself a pep talk ahead of this game, she knows she is under pressure here. She has her ninth unforced error of the match to put Muchiva 15-0 up and she pops another ball long – Swiatek speaks to her box as she loses her cool for this first time in this final. It can’t help that the crowd seems to be behind Muchova. What. A. Rally. Both players doing the most around court to get the point and Muchova just pushes a volley out – best bit of play yet! Muchova puts the ball out and she pushes her own head in frustration, 30-30 now. Swiatek pops a ball out – she is definitely shaken here – and she gives Muchova break point. If she break her Muchova will serve for this set! And a double fault from Swaitek gives Muchova the break! WOW.
Swiatek 6-2, *4-4 Muchova (*denotes next server)
Muchova plays another beautiful volley – even if she goes onto to lose this final she has put on quote the display. She wins another drop shot – a great play for her. But there is the brilliance of Swiatek, a perfectly weighted point to bounce in the left corner. A huge smash puts Muchova on the edge of a massive hold of serve here. She doesn’t hold just yet as she forces long but there it is with Swiatek hitting the net.
Swiatek 6-2, 4-3* Muchova (*denotes next server)
Muchova returns but it is just out, unlucky for the player there. There’s an unforced error to put Swiatek 30-0 up, she wins the next and when the world number one’s back is against the wall she knows how to fight back. She holds convincingly with a backhand winner.
Swiatek 6-2, *3-3 Muchova (*denotes next server)
That break could be a turning point in this match, if Muchova could battle back to take this second set. Muchova attempts a volley but it hits the net and Swiatek attempts to break immediately back. The world number one then hits the net twice and she let’s a groan of frustration out. Swiatek’s return is out and Muchova is a point from holding and levelling the set. A huge serve! Wow, a match on our hands.
Updated
Muchova breaks Swiatek! Swiatek 6-2, 3-2* Muchova (*denotes next server)
Muchova goes 30-0 up as Swiatek makes a few errors. We have been here before though, Muchova 30-0 up but then not breaking Swiatek. A perfect shot from Swiatek to get her on the board in this game and another winner levels it at 30-30 – nothing Muchova could have done on those points. Muchova has break point as Swiatek hits it long and she does it! What a great winner, wow.
Swiatek 6-2, *3-1 Muchova (*denotes next server)
These unforced errors are the architect of Muchova’s demise here, if Swiatek breaks her again this final could be gone. There’s an error from Swiatek to level this 15-15 and Muchova hits a great forehand winner. She follows it up with a shot that hits the net but then gets another winner! She is one point away from getting her first game of the second set. She thought she had a backhand winner, it was called out but then Swiatek corrected the call and Muchova holds. Becky has got in touch and said: “Why isn’t the women’s final being shown live?” It is, it is on Eurosport.
Swiatek 6-2, 3-0* Muchova (*denotes next server)
Swiatek can sense the win here I think, she smells blood and she is going in for the kill. Most things she is doing is paying off, a winner gets her 15-0 up. Muchova hits the net but she then returns well to get her first point in this game. Another two balls are out from the world number 43 and Swiatek holds.
Swiatek breaks early again! Swiatek 6-2, *2-0 Muchova (*denotes next server)
An eight-shot rally ends with an unforced error from Swiatek but Muchova didn’t move enough on the second point to win it – 15-15. Muchova tries the drop shot again but it doesn’t have enough on it to go over. The Czech player set up a great smash but she mishits and gifts Swiatek break point. She have another unforced error and break she does.
Swiatek 6-2, 1-0* Muchova (*denotes next server)
And so Swiatek still has not dropped a set at this year’s French Open. Will she take this next one and with it the title? We will soon find out. The second set it underway with Swiatek the first server. A brilliant long rally gets us started and a volley is too much for Swiatek as her shot is out. But Muchova is the next to make an error but she makes up for it with a great cross court forehand shot – wow! Muchova covered a lot of ground there in that rally but Swiatek pushes her around and her eventual shot is out – this is why she is world number one! Swaitek steps one more shot closer to holding as Muchova hits the net and Swiatek orchestrates another rally to hold.
Swiatek wins first set 6-2
What a set win! Muchova hits the net in a game she needs to hold her serve. Muchova uses her drop shot but Swiatek reads it well and pops the ball over and Muchova can’t return! An unforced error sees the Polish player a point away from the set. A fantastic rally and point gives Swiatek the first set, wow. The scoreboard may not look it but the play here was exciting.
Updated
Swiatek 5-2* Muchova (*denotes next server)
A break here for Muchova is a must, a tricky thing to do though against Swiatek. The Czech player hits the net and then sees the ball out for an easy 30-0 for Swiatek. Muchova tries the volley shot again but this time it has too much on it and Swiatek is on the edge of holding to put herself in a commanding position. A great return from Muchova gives her her first point in this game and Swiatek forces the ball long to put Muchova right back in this. But an error sees Swiatek hold her serve. One game within the set win now.
Swiatek *4-2 Muchova (*denotes next server)
The crowd are competing themselves, a chant of “Iga, Iga” started with others hitting back with “Muchova, Muchova!”. An ace starts this game and she goes 30-30 up with Swiatek adding another error to her count. Muchova’s error comes next and points exchange to take this to deuce. Muchova gets the advantage, can she hold her serve? Not yet. Swiatek reads play perfectly and a deft touch sees the game back to deuce but Muchova gets the advantage with a well played drop shot. She holds her serve by hitting a shot down the line to outplay Swiatek!
Updated
Swiatek 4-1* Muchova (*denotes next server)
What a shot and rally! Muchova makes a great run to catch Swiatek’s shot and she pops the ball just over the net, Swiatek is forced to a long shot and it’s out! Swiatek makes another error and the crowd have picked their player to support, Muchova chants! She hits an unforced error this time and then Swiatek makes a clever shot. The rally goes back and forth and she dictates play throughout, ending with a good out of the air shot. Muchova hits another error and Swiatek is just a point from holding. But we head to deuce as the world number one’s shot is out. Another unforced error from Swiatek – she is starting to wobble – and Muchova has break point! We are back to deuce though after a great rally. Muchova hits the net but sends Swiatek left and then sends the ball right! That shot led Chris Evert to compare Muchova to Roger Federer, it was such a great shot. She replicates the shot to stop Swiatek taking the game after she got advantage from an error. Swiatek celebrates as she holds – she knows how close she came to being broken there.
Swiatek *3-1 Muchova (*denotes next server)
Are we on our way to another bagel from Swiatek? Now we aren’t! Muchova is playing well but the board tells a different story. Such a great rally between these two, both sending each other around the court but it ends with Muchova hitting the net. She must hold her serve here. Swiatek makes her first unforced error of the match and the crowd get behind Muchova before she serves again. Muchova waits under a high ball and looks certain to hit a winner but she smacks the net! A groan from the crowd. An ace levels the game 30-30. The drop shot this time is read well by Swaitek but Muchova hits it back and she lobs the Polish star to win the point. She is just one point away from holding serve and there we are!
Swiatek 3-0* Muchova (*denotes next server)
Muchova’s return smacks the net and another unforced error puts Swiatek 30-0 up. Muchova just pushes the ball too far on her return and Swiatek is a point away from holding her serve again. There it is with another unforced error from Muchova.
Swiatek breaks early! Swiatek *2-0 Muchova (*denotes next server)
Muchova’s first serve works well, Swiatek’s return is out. Swiatek makes a great shot, returning Muchova’s volley to level 15-15. The world number one returns the serve well and Muchova can’t hit it in. And again she puts it out to give Swiatek break point and she takes it on her first opportunity.
Updated
Swiatek 1-0* Muchova (*denotes next server)
An unforced error starts this final from Muchova and her return from a long rally is too long. Swiatek is precise with every shot, she is so consistent and the unforced error count for her will be low and so Muchova needs to limit hers as much as possible. What a shot from Swiatek! She directs the ball around the court, forcing Muchova to run around, she then places a perfect ball to go 40-0 up. But hello that is amazing from Muchova, she uses that affective drop shot which worked so well in the semi-final and Swiatek can’t get to it. And she uses it again! Swiatek tries to catch Muchova out with a drop shot but she makes up the space and pops the ball just over the net! 40-30. But Swiatek takes the first game with a shot just out of play.
Here we go then! We are underway, a lot of fans have filtered in so not as sparse. Let’s hope for a tight battle between these two!
The coin toss and I think Swiatek has won, choosing to serve first. This final is imminent!
Here come the players! Muchova is out on court first and is greeted with a cheer from the supporters who are in their seast. Swiatek is next, she walks out with headphones on to block out the noise. The different approach is interesting.
Swiatek is yet to drop a set at this year’s French Open, will she win in straight sets today? We will find out soon!
The court looks quite sparse of fans at the moment, I’m hoping they are just grabbing drinks ahead of this final. They shouldn’t miss out, it will be a cracking match!
Here’s a piece on how the final may play out this afternoon:
The battle commences soon:
It all comes down to this 🤩
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 10, 2023
Dual #RolandGarros Champion Iga Swiatek takes on first-time finalist Karolina Muchova for the title. pic.twitter.com/baERiM5LwB
Muchova will not only have to overcome the world number one in Swiatek but also the top seeded player at the slam. The Czech player entered the tournament unseeded so it would be an upset if she claimed the title.
Here is a fun fact for you Muchova is the fourth-lowest ranked player to reach the women’s singles final at Roland Garros. She is ranked world number 43.
Muchova has spoken about her playing style ahead of her clash with Swiatek, saying: “I don’t really want to be like anyone else. It’s the type of game I enjoy and believe in. We are trying to improve it with the team. Now we can see that it works, so that’s nice. I’ll keep it this way.”
Swiatek has said of her opponent ahead of the final: “I feel I know Karolina’s game anyway because I played many practices with her since 2019 and I also watch her more than most of the players. I really like her game. I really respect her and she’s a player who can do anything. She has great touch. She can also speed up the game. She plays with that kind of freedom in her movements and she has a great technique. I feel like I know her game pretty well.”
Preamble
Welcome to the women’s singles French Open final. Two weeks of hard graft comes down to this. World number one Iga Swiatek takes on world number 43 Karolina Muchova for the slam crown.
Previous to making this final, the furthest Muchova had gone in a slam was to the semi-finals of the Australian Open in 2021. Swiatek, on the other hand, has won three slam titles, including two French Opens. She is the defending champions at the Roland Garros and will be fighting to keep her title.
It is a slight David v Goliath but we all know how that story turned out and it is a slam – anything could happen. Let me know your prediction of today’s match and where you are watching via Twitter or email.
We will have some build-up ahead of the scheduled start time of 2pm BST so stay tuned for everything you need to know ahead of this final.
