Four time champion Swiatek crushes Raducanu to book French Open third round spot

PARIS - Reigning French Open champion Iga Swiatek swept past former US Open winner Emma Raducanu in straight sets to reach the Roland Garros third round on May 28.

Poland’s Swiatek won 6-1, 6-2 in 79 minutes and will play either Czech qualifier Sara Bejlek or Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian for a place in the last 16.

Swiatek is bidding to become the first woman to win four consecutive French Open titles since Suzanne Lenglen 102 years ago.

“I felt good on court for sure, so I felt I could do whatever I had planned to do or whatever I wanted to do,” said Swiatek, who wrapped up victory on her second match point.

“I just had to adjust to the wind because the conditions were pretty tricky today. I’m happy that I did that well and I’m through.

“I think having some time off before helped me a little bit for sure, so I’m just ready to fight for it and compete.”

The 23-year-old, who has slipped to fifth in the world rankings, brings her tally to 23 wins in a row at Roland Garros.

“I think it’s probably the top spin that I play with,” she said.

“Honestly, I just love playing here. This place inspires me and that makes me work harder.”

Playing in the tournament for the first time since her debut in 2022, 22-year-old Raducanu suffered her fifth defeat in as many meetings with Swiatek. REUTERS

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