Iga Swiatek makes ominous start to French Open with ruthless first round win

Hello and welcome to coverage from day two of the French Open as defending champion Iga Swiatek begins the defence of her title.

The Pole starts against French qualifier Leolia Jeanjean. Swiatek is the overwhelming favourite to win the title as she arrives in Paris on a 12-match winning streak.

Swiatek has won the Qatar Open, Indian Wells, Madrid Open and Italian Open.

“Two years ago it was all new for me, and I think I won so many matches also because nobody really expected it,” she said.

“Now it’s different. Now they are prepared, and I felt like I keep having a target on my back, because I’m No. 1.

“In 2022 it was a start for me, winning these big titles, but now I have proven that I can do this year by year.”

Ahead of the tournament, the world No 1 said she considers the Olympics to be her most important tournament because her father competed in the 1988 Seoul Games.

Swiatek’s father, Tomasz, represented Poland in the men’s Quadruple Sculls rowing event in Seoul, finishing seventh.

“Because of that I know that the Olympics are the most important event probably in sports overall,” Swiatek said.“Winning any medal would be a dream come true.

“In Tokyo, I remember how stressful it was. This year I’m trying to really keep my expectations low but really work hard to be prepared for the Olympics.

She lost to Spain’s Paula Badosa in the second round in Tokyo.

“I’ll try to do everything step by step, treat this tournament as any other one, even though these are the Olympics, not to put too much pressure on my shoulders,” Swiatek said.

Swiatek is bidding to become the first woman to win three consecutive Roland Garros titles since Justine Henin in 2007. 

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