Tributes pour in as Swiatek lifts second Roland-Garros trophy
© Philippe Montigny/FFT
When Iga Swiatek first lifted the Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen in October 2020, another of Poland's finest, Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski, congratulated her on Twitter by posting: “What an amazing success, what a great story! Good job Iga!”
By January 2021, they met at the prestigious 86th Plebiscite, where Lewandowski was named Polish Sports Personality of the Year 2020 ahead of the second-placed Swiatek.
On Saturday, the Poland striker surprised Swiatek by appearing in the stands behind her team’s box on Court Philippe-Chatrier, much to the Roland-Garros champion's surprise.
"I didn't know, and I'm happy about that, because I would get so stressed," said Swiatek in her post-victory press conference when asked if she knew the star footballer was there for her final.
"Well, I'm happy that he's here, honestly. I don't know if he's a huge tennis fan or not.
"But, yeah, I mean, wow. He's been the top athlete in our country for so many years that it still feels, it's hard to believe that he actually came to watch me.
"I hope he liked it," she added with a grin. "I hope he's gonna come back. Yeah, I don't know. Just overwhelmed."
Lewandowski was not the only football legend courtside for Saturday's women's singles final with former Germany international Bastian Schweinsteiger accompanying his wife, 2008 Roland-Garros champion Ana Ivanovic in the stands.
Other former champions watching on included 1972 winner Billie Jean King and 1997 winner Iva Majoli, as well as former Wimbledon and US Open champion Stan Smith.
She's only 21 but Swiatek has already gained the admiration and respect of millions around the world and it's no surprise Twitter blew up the second she won Saturday's final.
Lucie Havlickova capped off a dream week in Paris by claiming the girls' singles and doubles title on Saturday to become the first player to achieve the feat since Agnes Szavay in 2005.
17-year-old Havlickova, who defeated Solana Sierra for the singles title before pairing with compatriot Sara Bejlek to defeat Nikola Bartunkova and Celina Naef, 6-3, 6-3, is the fourth player to win both events in the same season. She joins an elite quartet that includes Natasha Zvereva (1987), Martina Hingis (1994) and Szavay in 2005.
"I didn't know that, but, I mean, it's amazing to be this part of history," Havlickova said when informed of her milestone. "I think I can be proud of myself."
ROLAND-GARROS
22 May - 11 June 2023
