Jasmine Paolini's fairy tale without a happy ending

The Polish Iga Swiatek made tennis history with her fourth title at the French Open in Paris. Jasmine Paolini's incredible success story is over - and yet she could still win a title at Roland Garros.

June 08, 2024

From: dpa/fop

The 23-year-old Swiatek won the final on Saturday against the hopeless outsider Jasmine Paolini from Italy 6:2, 6:1 and became the youngest four-time winner at the Grand Slam tournament on clay. After just 68 minutes, the top favorite converted her first match point.

For the world number one, it was also the third triumph in a row at the Stade Roland Garros; only two other players had previously achieved this in the history of the tournament: the Belgian Justine Henin (2005 to 2007) and the Serbian Monica Seles (1990 to 1992). With his 21st win in a row in a French Open match, Swiatek also surpassed German tennis icon Steffi Graf (20) in this category. Overall, it was Swiatek's fifth Grand Slam title.

There is still a final waiting for Paolini

Paolini, who was unable to counter her opponent's dominance on her debut in a Grand Slam final after a courageous start, still has a second chance for the title in Paris. In the doubles final on Sunday (11.30 a.m.), the 28-year-old will compete with Sara Errani against US star Coco Gauff and Katerina Siniakova from the Czech Republic. She can also take solace in the fact that she will move into the top ten for the first time in the world rankings in seventh place from Monday.

The men's final between the German Olympic champion Alexander Zverev (27) and the Spanish young star and Sinner conqueror Carlos Alcaraz (21) will also take place on Sunday (14.30 p.m.) on the Court Philippe Chatrier.