It was not easy, but once again she did it! Iga Świątek managed to qualify for the French Open’s quarter-finals after defeating China’s Zheng Qinwen.

The match started well for the Pole who broke early to make it 3-1. But the Chinese fought back and forced a tie-break, which she managed to win 7-5, closing the first set with the score of 7-6. 

https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1531342049634656256?s=20&t=KmWPDYdhipqJqlS0_-IqKw

From the start of the second set, the Pole upgraded her tennis level even more and bagled her opponent (6-0). Once the young Varsovian managed to break early on in the third set, the victory was just a formality. 

Iga Świątek turned 21 today and is dominating the tennis world like never before. Comfortably seated on the throne of number 1, she continues to write the history of her sport. 

Not only is she among the final 8 in the French capital once again, but she has also become the third tennis player with the longest winning streak in history. Iga won the French Open back in 2020 while only 19.

So far, the record is held by the American Venus Williams who won 35 consecutive games between 2000 and 2001. Her sister Serena arrives second with 34 while the Belgian Justine Henin is no longer alone at 32.  

After the game, the Pole told the media that she was singing herself after the loss of the first set to get additional motivation. She compared the loss of the first set to a “cold shower”. The last time she lost a set was over a month ago, on the 23rd of April.

Świątek’s next opponent is the American number 11 Jessica Pegula. The match is scheduled for Wednesday at 11am (London time).

Image: Twitter (@iga_swiatek)

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen