19 years old from Poland Iga Swiatek just won her first grand slam title in Paris defeating this year’s Australian open champion from USA Sofia Kenin. By doing so, she became first player male or female from Poland, a country of less than 40 million people (one sixth of Uttar Pradesh) from Europe to win a grand slam tournament. Agnieszka Radwanska from Poland had previously come close to win Wimbledon in 2012 but was beaten by Serena Williams.
She played a great tournament just losing 28 games. No player was able to take a set from her and none of the set went to a tie break. That shows how dominating she was throughout the whole tournament. Not to forget her doubles run where she reached semifinals partenirng with Nicole Melichar of US.
She hasn’t won any title, major or otherwise before coming into this tournament. Her best result was 4th round in this year’s Australian open. Though she did win Wimbledon 2018 but as a junior not as pro.
One can argue that field was weak as world no 1 Ash Barty did not participate sighting COVID reason, Serena Williams withdrew from the tournament, world no 2 and 2020 US Open champion Naomi Osaka was out due to hamstring injury but that cannot be her fault. She did beat world no 2 and top seed Simona Halep in round of 4 in straight sets and also defeated world no 4 Sofia Kenin in the final to win her biggest tournament of life.
Her overall game is very solid and forehand is even better. Apart from her game, she is so calm and composed which is very rare for a 19 years old player.
When asked in the post-match presentation what her dad, who is an Olympic rower taught her, he taught me how to be a professional – said Iga Swiatek. Indeed one needs to be professional first because there will be ups and downs in the match as happens in life and one need to know how to deal with these situations.
There is a lot to learn for us from this event. How can a country of just 40 million people produce a grand slam winner amidst pandemic? A young girl to go on to win a tournament as big as French Open without anyone breaking her a sweat. What are we doing or not doing to produce these champions? I am pretty sure sports authority have enough money to provide facilities to our young boys and girls to train better and eventually hold a coveted singles trophy in these major tournaments.
Sports can do a lot not just for players but for a country too. It can bring a lot of money and lot of employment opportunities, especially in a globally recognized sports such as Tennis and Golf.
Hope our people are listening and watching this. Hope things get better. I am hopeful and waiting for a day when someone will hold a single’s trophy at London or Paris or Melbourne or New York!
