By Tony Fairbairn
- Iga Swiatek [1] v Coco Gauff [18]
- H2H: Swiatek leads 2-0
PARIS, FRANCE – Coco Gauff is looking to stop a dominant Iga Swiatek from claiming her second grand slam title and sixth consecutive title this season as they take on each other in the Roland Garros final.
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Iga Swiatek [1] v Coco Gauff [18] H2H & Match Fundamentals
Iga Swiatek once again proved her dominance in the semi-finals and is now on a 34 match winning streak as she looks to win her second Roland Garros title and a sixth consecutive title this season. Standing in the world number one’s way is 18-year-old sensation Coco Gauff who is the youngest grand slam finalist since Maria Sharapova in 2004 and is yet to drop a set this tournament.
| Iga Swiatek [1] v Coco Gauff [18] | H2H: Swiatek leads 2-0 |
| Roland Garros | Paris, France |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: €1,100,000/€2,200,000 |
| Court Philippe-Chatrier (14:00 BST) | Discovery+ Add-on via Amazon Prime
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Swiatek has won both of their previous meetings so far which were in Rome last year and at Miami this year where the Pole went on to win the title on both occasions.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022 – Clay)
| H2H: | Iga Swiatek (WR 1) | Coco Gauff (WR 23) |
| Tournament Previous Best | Winner (2020) | QF (2021) |
| 1st Serve Return Points Won % | 47.9 | 44.8 |
| Return Points Won % | 52.6 | 50.5 |
| Break Point Conversion % | 52.5 | 48.5 |
| Break Points Saved % | 63 | 61.5 |
| Total Points Won % | 58.1 | 54 |
Despite Swiatek’s dominance throughout this tournament and the season, Gauff runs the world number one close in all areas as she has produced flawless tennis over the last couple of weeks. The key area will be 1st serve return points won with Gauff needing to do better in this area to stand a chance in the final.
Playing Styles and Prediction
Iga Swiatek has well and truly been the player to beat this season as she enters the Roland Garros final on a 34 match winning streak, drawing level with Serena Williams’ best ever streak.
The world number one dominated Daria Kasatkina in the semi-finals after coming through a tough test against Qinwen Zheng in the fourth round and will know that she wouldn’t have to beat a top ten player on her way to winning the title should she be victorious on Saturday.
Ahead of the final against Gauff, Swiatek admitted that she is getting better with each match and praised her American opponent ahead of the final, “When I already felt like my legs are burning and I was sure my opponent’s legs are burning, I could still go low and just play really solid game, that’s kind of satisfying. Because you can feel that all those practices were worth it,” Swiatek told the WTA website.
“I would say when I learned how to also improve during tournaments and how to loosen up during tournaments. I think it’s pretty great, because the beginnings are tough. But for sure here I feel better and better every match, so I hope it’s going to stay that way.
“So from what I see on court, she’s developing every year basically. And when I see her, I tend to forget that she’s 18. She’s playing really consistent. You can see her progressing, and I think that’s the most important thing.”
Before Swiatek can think about winning her second grand slam title, the Pole has to take on Coco Gauff in the final first with the American yet to drop a set on her way to her maiden grand slam final.
Gauff’s victories have definitely been impressive with the likes of Kaia Kanepi, Elise Mertens and former finalist Sloane Stephens all falling to the 18 year-old as she looks to capture a first grand slam title on arguably her weakest surface.
Ahead of the biggest match of her life Gauff isn’t putting any pressure on herself and says that winning on Saturday won’t make a massive impact on her, “I’m definitely ready to win [a Slam] but I’m not putting pressure on myself to win one,” the American told the Roland Garros website.
“I think there’s a fine line between believing in yourself and almost pushing yourself too much…If I do lift the trophy, honestly, I don’t think my life is going to change,” she added. “I know it sounds kind of bad to say that, but the people who love me are still going to love me regardless if I lift the trophy or not.”
Swiatek will look to neutralise Gauff’s power with a mix of defence variety and flawless power to try to make the American as uncomfortable as possible. Gauff will look to use her athleticism, power and overall swagger to try and put the Pole off her game and also extend the rallies as much as possible.
The American will look to settle into the match quickly with the Pole already used to experiences like these. Gauff should give the world number one a tough test but Swiatek remains firm favourite to lift her second Roland Garros title.
Prediction: Swiatek in straight sets.
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