Even as she celebrated a third French Open title in a row and fourth overall, Iga Swiatek’s thoughts were turning across the Channel.
It was after winning his fourth title at Roland Garros that Rafael Nadal claimed his first Wimbledon — and the challenge for Swiatek is to follow in her idol’s footsteps.
For a player of her talents, the world No 1’s record at Wimbledon is modest. Last year’s quarter-final finish was her best yet.
‘I had ideas like doing pre-season on grass so I can learn how to play there,’ said Swiatek. ‘Last year’s result was pretty nice. I feel like every year it’s easier for me to adapt to grass. But for sure it’s a huge challenge.’
Beaten finalist Jasmine Paolini was a runner-up again yesterday as she and Sara Errani lost to Coco Gauff and Katerina Siniakova in the women’s doubles.
It felt appropriate that tournament director Amelie Mauresmo’s concluding press conference clashed with that doubles final — women’s tennis has been given a shoddy deal by the schedule this year.
Eleven out of 11 prime-time night sessions were men’s matches and 11 out of 11 of the poorly-attended morning slots were women’s.
