Pole Position

In an era of women's tennis where anyone can beat anyone; one person stands head & shoulders above the rest. Iga Swiatek has proven herself the oddity in a very level playing field; someone whom the others can't quite touch. Ashleigh Barty's recent retirement has only served to fuel her progress; with her recent run taking her to No. 1 in the world.

The Pole was under much pressure at the recent French Open; as she was heavily favored to win; but just like her previous victory in 2020; she has crushed all competition. This was exemplified with her dominating 6-1; 6-3 victory over Coco Gauff in the final. I saw something in her in that 2020 run; a player so powerful; so consistent; that you could smell something really special. And she is fulfilling her promise at this very time.

Coco Gauff was in free flow of tears at the end; you had a sense she did not show what she could deliver on the biggest stage; and that must be the most disappointing thing. She did show some naivety in the final; not playing the right points at the right time; but surely she will get better with experience.

For Swiatek; this win caps off her 35 match winning streak; equaling Venus Williams' stellar run in 2000. With her power & precision; she reminds me abit of Steffi Graf; and that is a very scary thought indeed.