In a stunning display of skill and dominance, Iga Swiatek secured her place in the French Open final for the third year in a row by defeating Coco Gauff in straight sets.
The world number one continues to cement her legacy at Roland-Garros, leaving Gauff to contend with yet another heartbreaking loss.
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Swiatek’s unstoppable run
Iga Swiatek showcased her relentless form on Thursday, June 6, by defeating American Coco Gauff 6-2, 6-4 in the semifinals of Roland-Garros. This victory marks Swiatek’s third consecutive final appearance at the French Open, a testament to her growing dominance on the clay courts of Paris.
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Gauff’s uphill battle
Coco Gauff entered the match with the odds stacked against her. Having faced Swiatek 11 times previously and winning only once, Gauff had never managed to take a set from the Polish star on clay. Despite her optimistic outlook, acknowledging that she had “nothing to lose,” the match quickly tilted in Swiatek’s favor.
A dominant first set
From the onset, Swiatek took control. Breaking Gauff’s serve early, Swiatek capitalized on the American’s struggles with her forehand. Despite Gauff’s attempts to fight back, earning break points in Swiatek’s early service games, she couldn’t convert, allowing Swiatek to extend her lead. The first set concluded in just 37 minutes, with Swiatek firmly in command.
Emotional turmoil on Court
The second set brought more drama. Gauff’s frustration became evident when a controversial call by the chair umpire, who overruled a line judge’s call, went against her. The young American couldn’t hold back her tears, feeling the weight of the moment and the apparent injustice.
Swiatek d. Coco Gauff 6-2 6-4
Iga reaches her 3rd consecutive Roland Garros final.
The most dominant woman on a clay court we’ve seen in decades.
✅20 consecutive wins at RG
✅18 consecutive wins on clay
✅5th Grand Slam FinalThe Queen of Clay is one win away.
🇵🇱❤️ pic.twitter.com/xFjJLNHSn2
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 6, 2024
A glimmer of hope
Despite her emotional outburst, Gauff managed to break Swiatek’s serve for the first time in the match, showing resilience and precision that had eluded her earlier. This brief advantage, however, was swiftly neutralized by Swiatek, who broke back immediately and restored her dominance.
Swiatek’s resilience and precision
Swiatek’s experience and composure shone through as she neutralized Gauff’s momentum. She regained control with a service game to love, further demoralizing her opponent. Gauff fought valiantly, saving three match points, but ultimately, Swiatek’s consistency and skill were too much to overcome.
A historic opportunity
With this victory, Swiatek is on the brink of making history. She has the chance to become the first woman to win three consecutive French Open titles since Justine Henin’s reign from 2005 to 2007. Gauff, despite the loss, can take solace in her rise to number two in the world rankings, her highest career position to date.
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This article explores Iga Swiatek’s commanding semifinal victory over Coco Gauff at Roland-Garros, securing her third consecutive final appearance. The match highlighted Swiatek’s dominance and resilience on clay, while Gauff’s emotional struggle underscored the intense pressure of top-tier competition. Swiatek now stands on the cusp of a historic achievement, while Gauff climbs to her career-best ranking.
