Iga Swiatek defeated Karolina Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 in the final of women’s singles in the French Open 2023 on Saturday in Paris.
The 22-year-old Polish star cemented her status as the best female player in the world, particularly on clay, with her third title in four years at Roland Garros.
But this was arguably the hardest of her grand slam finals as Czech Republic’s Muchova battled back from a set and 3-0 down to force a decider.
Muchova twice led by a break in the third set but Swiatek did not once give in, eventually triumphing 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 after a long battle of more than two hours and 30 minutes.
Swiatek also became the first women's tennis player since the former Belgian star Justine Henin to successfully defend a title at Roland Garros.
The Polish star also joined Monica Seles and Naomi Osaka as the only woman in the Open Era to win their first four Slam finals.
With her victory tonight, she became the youngest player to win four Slams since Serena Williams.
“I was really struck with your variety on court and I really hope you’re going to have many more finals,” Swiatek told Muchova on court.
“I’m really happy that we can feel satisfied right now, so thank you guys,” she told her team.
With the title win, Swiatek will take home about $2.5 million after improving to 4-0 in a major final while Muchova, a former Top 20 player currently ranked No. 43, earned $1,248,019 for reaching her first Grand Slam final.
“This was so close but that’s what happens when you play one of the best, Iga, so I want to congratulate you once again and your team,” Muchova said.