Swiatek's Birthday Marred by French Open Exit
On her 25th birthday, Iga Swiatek, the third seed and former champion, was defeated 7-5, 6-1 by Ukrainian 15th seed Marta Kostyuk in the fourth round of the French Open. This loss ended Swiatek's pursuit of a fifth Roland Garros title just as she appeared to be regaining her form.
The match began with a closely contested battle, as both players exchanged breaks twice. Kostyuk secured a crucial hold in the 11th game and elevated her performance towards the end of the set, ultimately winning it with a backhand crosscourt winner.
This marked the first occasion Kostyuk had claimed a set against Swiatek, who had previously defeated her in straight sets in their three prior encounters. Sensing an opportunity for a major upset, Kostyuk surged ahead 3-1 in the second set following a determined effort.
The Rouen and Madrid champion maintained her composure to close out the match, improving her clay-court record this season to an undefeated 15-0. Kostyuk will next face either seventh-seeded Ukrainian Elina Svitolina or 11th-seeded Swiss Belinda Bencic in the upcoming round at Roland Garros.
Tumaini Carayol’s report to follow
