Defending champion Iga Swiatek kicked off her quest for a third consecutive French Open title in style with a dominant 6-1, 6-2 victory over Leolia Jeanjean. Swiatek, who has been holding the No. 1 ranking for most of 2022, extended her winning streak to 13 matches with a commanding performance at Court Philippe Chatrier.
The Polish star showcased her prowess on the clay court by amassing a remarkable 26-2 advantage in winners. Despite a minor setback where she was broken early in the second set, Swiatek quickly regained control of the match, displaying her trademark consistency and precision.
Swiatek's triumph marked her 15th consecutive win at Roland Garros, a venue where she has enjoyed immense success, clinching four Grand Slam trophies, including three French Open titles in 2020, 2022, and 2023. The last woman to achieve a three-peat at the French Open was Justine Henin from 2005 to 2007.
Expressing her comfort at the tournament, Swiatek stated, 'It feels like home here. I'm really happy to be back. Just feel like I can play really good tennis, so hopefully I'm going to be here as long as possible.' Swiatek's next challenge will be against former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka.
Nadal and Other Early Winners
Following Swiatek's match, the spotlight shifted to 14-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal, who was set to face No. 4 seed Alexander Zverev. Meanwhile, other early winners on Monday included Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner, Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, and two-time major finalist Ons Jabeur.
Sinner, who remained unbeaten in Grand Slam matches in 2024, overcame Chris Eubanks in straight sets, showcasing his resilience and skill despite a recent hip injury. Vondrousova and Jabeur also secured convincing victories in their respective matches, advancing to the next round with confidence.
Reflecting on his performance, Sinner remarked, 'The hip is good. I'm very happy. I'm glad that my team and myself worked very hard to be back on court as soon as possible.' The Italian player emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and expressed optimism about his future prospects in the tournament.
As the action unfolds at Roland Garros, fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling matches and standout performances from the world's top tennis stars.