Iga Swiatek began her French Open title defense with a signature 61-minute dismantling of qualifier Leolia Jeanjean. The world number one is aiming to become the first woman since Justine Henin in 2007 to win three consecutive French Open titles.
Swiatek cruised to a 6-1, 6-2 victory on the second day of play at Roland Garros, setting up an intriguing matchup with fellow four-time major champion Naomi Osaka, who is making her return from maternity leave.
“It feels like home here,” Swiatek told the Paris crowd. “Hopefully I’m going to be here as long as possible.”
Swiatek enters the tournament as the heavy favorite, having secured back-to-back clay-court titles in Madrid and Rome. After a dominant first set against Jeanjean, Swiatek found herself down a break in the second but elevated her play to secure the win.
When asked if she feels like the ‘Queen of Clay,’ in reference to the nickname given to 14-time men’s champion Rafael Nadal, Swiatek responded, “I think it’s too early. I’m really proud of my achievements, and this has always been my favorite surface.”
Despite rain delays on Monday, Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova managed to complete a convincing 6-1, 6-3 victory over Spain’s Rebeka Masarova in the morning.
Ons Jabeur, still seeking her first Grand Slam title after three runner-up finishes, was equally impressive, dispatching American wildcard Sachia Vickery 6-3, 6-2. US Open champion Coco Gauff and Britain’s Harriet Dart are among those still to play on Monday.
