Iga Świątek triumphed over Naomi Osaka with a score of 7-6(1), 1-6, 7-5, advancing to the third round of the French Open. The Polish tennis star pulled off an incredible comeback from a 2-5 deficit in the third set, defending a match point and securing her place in the tournament.
Iga Swiatek won this match pic.twitter.com/1XfNrNdwz8
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 29, 2024
The match began with fierce competition as Świątek had a breakpoint in the first game, but Osaka held her serve. Osaka nearly broke Świątek’s serve in the next game, signalling the intense battle ahead. Świątek then managed to break Osaka’s serve decisively, moving ahead 3-1 after winning 12 consecutive points. However, Osaka quickly regained her composure and continued to deliver powerful shots down the line, consistently winning her service games.
70 minutes of exciting tennis 〽️@iga_swiatek digs in when it matters, taking the first set tiebreak over Osaka#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/XAP82MAmuW
— wta (@WTA) May 29, 2024
In the eighth game, Świątek made an uncharacteristic forehand error, losing her serve and allowing Osaka to tie the set at 4-4 and then advance to 5-4. The tension peaked when Osaka had a set point in the tenth game, but a mistimed shot sent the ball out, allowing Świątek to hold her serve. The first set culminated in a tiebreak where Świątek showcased her skill and strategy, quickly establishing a lead and securing the set 7-6(1) in 66 minutes.
Turning things WAY around 🔄@naomiosaka breaks Swiatek 3 times to take the second set 6-1, sending the match into a decider!#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/xUv5VCHnV3
— wta (@WTA) May 29, 2024
Despite the momentum from winning the first set, Świątek’s performance dipped in the second. Her serve faltered, and Osaka took full advantage, playing aggressively and with high intensity. The second set saw Osaka break Świątek’s serve twice, controlling the game to win 6-1 and tie the match. Świątek took a bathroom break after the second set, returning to a fiercely contested final set.
Osaka seized her chance, breaking Świątek’s serve and winning a crucial game from 0-40 down, putting her ahead 3-0 and eventually leading 5-2.
Iga gets her break back 👀🍿#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/L3zpz1NTvf
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 29, 2024
However, Świątek refused to concede, breaking Osaka’s serve in the ninth game and saving a match point with a stunning backhand cross-court shot. Gaining momentum, Świątek equalized at 5-5 and then broke Osaka’s serve again, benefiting from a double fault. She held her own serve to clinch the match 7-5, a dramatic victory underscoring her resilience and skill, thrilling fans and ensuring her advancement to the next round of the French Open.
Iga Świątek – Naomi Osaka 2-1 (7-6, 1-6, 7-5)