Iga Świątek has made a strong start at the French Open, successfully navigating her first-round match against Rebecca Sramkova with a score of 6:3, 6:3. Although Świątek encountered some challenges at the beginning of the second set, where she lost her serve, she managed to overcome this hurdle and secure her victory.
Following the match, Sramkova attended a press conference where she expressed her disappointment over the draw, which paired her against the four-time Roland Garros champion. “It’s frustrating to look at the draw and see your name paired with one of the best right in the first round,” she remarked with a laugh, adding that she had hoped to face similarly strong competitors in the later rounds. The Slovakian player reflected on her performance, acknowledging that she regretted not capitalizing on her early break advantage in the second set.
This match marked the second encounter between Świątek and Sramkova this season, with Świątek having previously won at the Australian Open with a dominant 6:0, 6:2 scoreline. Sramkova noted that she felt more comfortable on the court than in their Australian matchup, stating, “I felt much better in the exchanges. Nevertheless, Iga is still one of the best players.”
Looking ahead, Świątek is set to face Emma Raducanu in the second round. Raducanu, who has won Roland Garros four times, including the last three editions, poses a formidable challenge, but Świątek’s current form suggests she will be a strong contender in this next match.
Overall, Świątek’s performance indicates her readiness to defend her title, and fans remain hopeful for another successful tournament run. As the competition unfolds, it will be exciting to see if she can navigate through her upcoming challenges.