Swiatek and Svitolina's Warrior Mentality at the French Open

PARIS, SUNDAY – Two matches in the fourth round of the women's singles at the French Open showcased the great fighting spirit of the winners. This fighting mentality was demonstrated by Iga Swiatek and Elina Svitolina, who advanced to the quarter-finals despite being on the brink of defeat.

Swiatek fought for two hours and 30 minutes against Elena Rybakina on Court Philippe Chatrier, Roland Garros, Paris, France, on Sunday (1/6/2025). The championship title in the last three French Opens was nearly passed from Swiatek's hands as she lost the first set easily and then fell behind in the second set. In a match where momentum constantly shifted between the two players, Swiatek ultimately secured the decisive set and won with a score of 1-6, 6-3, 7-5.

In her previous match on the same court, Svitolina was even one step away from defeat against 2024 French Open finalist Jasmine Paolini. Svitolina thwarted three match points from Paolini to advance to the quarterfinals with a 4-6, 7-6 (6), 6-1 victory.

"It was a very tough match. In the first set, I felt like I was up against Jannik Sinner (the world number one in men's singles). Elena was putting pressure on me. I struggled to get back into my game and stay focused. I'm happy that I finally succeeded," said Swiatek.

The four-time French Open champion requires a considerable amount of time to reach the level of play needed. Moreover, the opponent he faces is one of his toughest competitors.

Rybakina arrived at Roland Garros with a championship title from the WTA Strasbourg clay court tournament, one week before the French Open. Her first title in 13 months seemed to come at the right time as she was set to face Swiatek in the fourth round of the French Open.

In their nine encounters, this marks the earliest stage, just like when they met at the 2023 Australian Open, which was won by Rybakina. In the remaining matches, they have always faced each other in the quarterfinals or finals.

The championship momentum in Strasbourg was carried into the match against Swiatek for the first time at the French Open. The first set was won after Rybakina quickly took a 5-0 lead in just 23 minutes.

Rybakina was not only superior when serving, but also when receiving. Her returns, both on the second and first serve, turned the pressure on Swiatek because the ball fell close to the baseline, where Swiatek was standing. Swiatek said that Rybakina's balls that fell close to the line made it very difficult for her.

Despite Rybakina's ability to return serve well, Swiatek lost two serves in the first set due to double faults. Rybakina's final point of the set came from a double fault on Swiatek's serve.

Similar to the first set, Swiatek's serve was immediately broken by Rybakina in the first game, putting her at a 0-2 deficit. However, this time, Swiatek was able to respond, and the competition for each point was more intense compared to the opening set.

The real competition between them occurred in the third set. In a game where the momentum constantly shifted, Swiatek had the opportunity to win by breaking Rybakina's serve in the seventh game, taking the lead and holding serve in the next game. However, instead of leading 5-3, Rybakina equalized the score to 4-4. Swiatek eventually regained the lead at 6-5 and won the twelfth game.

The victory not only relieved Swiatek from the pressure of Rybakina but also seemed to release the pressure within herself after performing below her standards in the first five months of 2025. She failed to defend four championship titles. Swiatek had not even reached the final after winning the French Open in 2024.

Although she had relieved the burden with a heavy draw since the first round, Swiatek knew that she had to maintain her focus and performance for the next challenge. Svitolina had defeated her once in four encounters. "Elina is a fighter. She has shown that today," said Swiatek.

Like Swiatek, Svitolina was nearly eliminated in two sets when she lost the opening set and trailed 1-4 in the second set. She was truly on the brink of defeat when Paolini had a match point while leading 5-4. The fourth seed not only had one match point but also three opportunities to advance to the quarter-finals by winning one more point.

A similar moment, although not as close as the defeat at Roland Garros, occurred at Melbourne Park in January. In the third round of the Australian Open, Paolini and Svitolina faced each other for the first time. Svitolina lost the first set but ultimately won 2-6, 6-4, 6-0.

"I do not believe this match ended with a victory for me. Today's match was very difficult because Jasmine played so well. I tried to stay calm and fought until the final point," said Svitolina, who has reached the quarter-finals of the French Open three times but has never won.

Not only Swiatek and Svitolina, Zheng Qin Wen had to compete in three sets to secure a ticket to the quarter-finals. She even played a longer match, lasting two hours and 47 minutes to defeat Liudmila Samsonova 7-6 (5), 1-6, 6-3. Zheng's opponent in the quarter-finals will be the winner of the match between Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova. (AFP/Reuters)