World number one Iga Swiatek, who is looking to win her third Roland Garros title in four years, is unsure about matching Rafael Nadal’s dominance on clay.
Swiatek, who has an impressive record of 27-2 record at Roland Garros, will start as favourite for the French Open 2023 final against Karolina Muchova on Saturday.
"Rafa, what he did and what he's still doing, it's pretty amazing," said Swiatek. "I never kind of knew that it's gonna be possible for me.
"So it was totally out of my reach, if I can say that. And still he played so well so many years, I don't know if it's going to be possible for me."
It must be noted that Nadal is a record 14-time French Open champion and is known as the ‘King of Clay’.
On the other hand, Muchova, who was out of action for seven months in 2021 due to an abdominal problem and ended last year's French Open in a wheelchair after sustaining an ankle injury, is keen on putting up a good show in the final against a strong opponent.
"There has been many moments, many lows, I would say, from one injury to another," said Muchova.
"For sure when I missed Australian Open last year, and I was in a pretty bad state health-wise, I was working out a lot to try to get back.
"Some doctors told me, you know, maybe you'll not do sport anymore. But I always kept it kind of positive in my mind and tried to work and do all the exercises to be able to come back."
The duo’s only previous meeting came in Prague in 2019 when Muchova clinched victory in three sets against Swiatek.
"I really like her game, honestly. I really respect her, and she's I feel like a player who can do anything," said Swiatek.
"She has great touch. She can also speed up the game. She plays with that kind of freedom in her movements. And she has a great technique."