Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka produced an all-time classic in the second round of the French Open with both players receiving plenty of praise after the match.
The two Grand Slam winners delivered one of the best match matches on Philippe Chatrier as reigning Roland Garros champion Swiatek survived an onslaught from Osaka and found herself one point away from defeat.
However, the world No 1 displayed all her fighting qualities as she came from 2-5 down to secure a 7-6 (7-1), 1-6, 7-5 victory.
Tennis great Chris Evert – a seven-time French Open champion – was delighted with the quality on show in Paris as she wrote on X: “this match……. worthy of a final…”
Tennis great Chris Evert – a seven-time French Open champion – was delighted with the quality on show in Paris as she wrote on X: “this match……. worthy of a final…”
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On the flip side, the stadium was half empty as rain in Paris resulted in many people leaving early while expensive ticket prices is also taking a toll.
With women’s tennis often taking a backseat to the men’s game, former world No 1 Andy Murray believes the Swiatek-Osaka encounter offered a huge opportunity for the WTA.
