Eager Swiatek in a hurry

 - Alex Sharp

2020 champion put in a five-star performance to extend her match-winning streak to 29.

Iga Swiatek, Roland Garros 2022, first round© Cédric Lecocq/FFT

Iga Swiatek played to her world No.1 billing to ignite a Roland-Garros title charge with a 6-2, 6-0 opening-round win over qualifier Lesia Tsurenko on Monday.

The Pole dazzled the Court Philippe-Chatrier crowd in under an hour’s play to continue her remarkable run of form.

Swiatek, who arrived in Paris having collected five consecutive trophies this season, motored through for a second-round encounter with Alison Riske.

Story of the match

In the very first point, the 20-year-old arced a forehand cross-court winner onto the tramline to set the tone for a very efficient hour.

Swiatek was exploring all the angles and dimensions of the court, pinging a backhand down the line with masterful point construction.

In three games, with just two points lost, the top seed was playing top-drawer tennis.

Gasps of “oooh” and “aaah” from the stands greeted the Pole’s play, Swiatek claiming the longer rallies, conjuring up effective shots from deep, on the baseline, in transition and at net; it was simply all working.

Iga Swiatek, Lesia Tsurenko, Roland Garros 2022, first round© Cédric Lecocq/FFT

A loose game at 5-1 gave world No.119 Tsurenko a glimmer of hope, but Swiatek switched back on instantly.

At 1-0 in the second set the 20-year-old Pole chased down a drop shot and angled a forehand shot to brush the baseline. Tsurenko raised her arms aloft, perplexed at how to tackle this mesmerising talent.

A cannonball forehand return winner clinched the fastest match of her season so far – just 54 minutes – a match that was a treat to watch.

Swiatek clearly enjoyed it too, scribbling on the broadcast camera, “Paris I’ve missed you,” alongside a love heart.

Key stats

Obviously the most mind-boggling stat is Swiatek notching up a 29th straight victory. In doing so the 20-year-old also collected a 14th set with a 6-0 scoreline this season.

Swiatek was eager to apply the pressure on return and her crisp striking was rewarded by claiming 28 of 40 receiving points, creating the spark for six breaks of serve.

What the players said

Swiatek speaking to three-time champion Mats Wilander: “I love playing here, even though the last couple of days have been rainy and pretty dark. Paris has this vibe.

“I’m pretty glad that I could find my rhythm. Today was a pretty good match for me.

“I just want to keep going, I’m aware some day my streak may stop, so I’m working every day to be 100 per cent focused on my tennis and not on stats or some numbers. I’m focused on being in a bubble, which will help me to stay consistent. I’ve been doing that the past few weeks and I’ll keep doing that here."

It’s now time for the world No.1 to relax after a solid day at the office...

“I’m pretty happy I’ve finished early. Maybe we’ll go somewhere in Paris to see something. You’re going to see on my Insta story if you’re interested.” Stay tuned!

Iga Swiatek, Roland Garros 2022, first round© Cédric Lecocq/FFT