A MASSIVE day of Roland Garros women’s semi finals action sets up an exciting final this weekend, with two young guns in Sofia Kenin and Iga Swiatek set to contend for the grand slam title. Both players managed to get the job done in straight sets, with Kenin hoping to steal her second grand slam title for 2020 while Swiatek will be the first Polish woman to play in a Roland Garros final during the Open Era.

Swiatek took on Nadia Podoroska in the first semi of the day, dominating against the Argentinian qualifier who has enjoyed an exciting rise up the rankings throughout proceedings. It was a masterclass from 19-year-old Swiatek though, collecting the 6-2 6-1 victory in 70 minutes. While the tough first set was not indicative of the scoreline, the second was something else from Swiatek as she blew through her 131st ranked opposition, not only dominating off her own serve but defensively strong, too.

“I’m kind of surprised! I never thought before the tournament I would play so well. But I always knew that if I was going to make a final of a Grand Slam, it would be the French Open,” Swiatek said post-match. 

“I wanted to play this match as if it was a first round. I didn’t want to think about being in the semifinal because it would stress me. I just kept being aggressive, like in the previous matches. I’m feeling lucky that I’m feeling good and nothing hurts.”

While the two players sat even on 20 unforced errors apiece, Swiatek hit 23 winners to Podoroska’s six and not only won off 70 per cent of her first serve but a classy 68 per cent off her second, proving far more consistent than the Argentinian. Swiatek will have her work cut out for her in the final, taking on an in-form Kenin who overcame the ever-tough Petra Kvitova, 6-4 7-5.

It was never going to be an easy victory either way, with Kvitova known for her damaging serve and Kenin an exciting young prospect, especially given the American had lost the prior two meetings to the Czech seventh seed. But Kenin only needed an hour and 45 minutes this time around, dictating much of the opening set and carrying that momentum into the second despite Kvitova proving hard to shake. 

“She’s such a tough player, she’s got a great aggressive game and such a big serve. I knew I had to bring my ‘A’ game in order to win,” Kenin said post-match.

“I’m super proud of myself, it was a great match and I’m super happy.”

Having won every set so far at the Roland Garros, Kvitova looked well placed to head into her first Paris final since 2012 but was forced into uncomfortable positions by Kenin who controlled proceedings and did not allow the powerful left-hander any leeway. While Kenin hit 23 winners to Kvitova’s 28, she was much more controlled with 11 less unforced errors (20-31) and not only made the most of her first serve, sitting on 67 per cent efficiency, but so too break points, limiting Kvitova to just two wins from 12 opportunities (17 per cent).

A huge battle is set for the Roland Garros final, with the two young talents continuing to perform and looking to go one better. While Swiatek is yet to win a WTA Tour level title, she has disposed of front-runner Simona Halep and 2019 runner up Marketa Vondrousova en route to the final. Currently ranked in the 50s, Swiatek is the lowest-ranked women’s finalist at the Roland Garros since 1975. 

As for Kenin, the American 21-year-old currently sits sixth on the world rankings, darting up the list in January when she took out the Australian Open and knows how to win under pressure with five singles titles to her name, two in 2020. While Kenin has taken on her fair share of talent this tournament, one could argue the calibre Swiatek has defeated will work in her favour given the only top 50 player Kenin has played over the past weeks is Kvitova.

“I’ve already done it in Australia,” Kenin said. “I’ve had tough matches these past two weeks and I’m so excited to be in the final. It’s incredible. I’m going to enjoy this moment today and get ready for the final tomorrow.

“We played in juniors in the French Open. It was a close one. I’m going to prepare for the final and I’m going to do my best.”