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Iga Swiatek, a four-time French Open champion, was expecting to make her birthday more special by storming her way into the quarterfinals at Roland Garros. However, Marta Kostyuk had other plans in store as she spoiled the Pole’s 25th birthday to reach her second career Grand Slam quarterfinals and her first in Paris.
The 25-year-old entered the most intriguing fixtures of her campaign at Roland Garros against Ukraine’s Kostyuk. The 23-year-old is revelling in one of the best clay seasons this year, staying unbeaten and lifting titles in Rouen and Madrid.
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An upset was always on the cards, but Swiatek still walked in as the favourite. She had a turbulent start to the season, failing to go past the quarter-final stage in her first three tournaments. Iga Swiatek’s season hit rock bottom after fellow Pole Magda Linette eliminated her in her campaign opener. She parted ways with Wim Fissette and found a second win with Francisco Roig.
She found her rhythm in Paris, but it fizzed out against Kostyuk. The Ukrainian sent Swiatek packing with a commanding 7-5, 6-1 win. Fans were left flabbergasted by Kostyuk’s flair of dominance and Swiatek’s harrowing performance, especially in the second set. Fans lampooned the six-time Grand Slam champion and labelled the result as Iga Swiatek’s “worst” defeat since her debut at Roland Garros in 2019.
“Easily the worst Slam performance of Swiatek’s career, and there’s nothing real close. Her most lopsided losses featured true top level from the opponent, and with respect to Kostyuk, this wasn’t anything like Rybakina, Collins, etc,” a user wrote on X.
“Worst loss in Paris since debut,” another user remarked.
“Iga has lost touch with tennis… too much social media, modelling, commercials… always trying to be nice and friendly… where is the bad temper gone, the one that gave her focus and energy? She has lost touch with tennis… and herself,” a user stated.
“The moment Iga failed to serve out the first set, just knew her match was done. She simply has no plan B & Marta is in the form of her life to let go of such gilt edged opportunities. Don’t think Iga will win anything significant this year as her game has dipped alarmingly,” a user added.
“Kostyuk didn’t play on a very high level. Swiatek was just way below par. Hold her own serve only 33%. Says enough,” a user said.
Here’s how Kostyuk ousted Iga Swiatek in a one-sided Round of 16 encounter
In the lopsided contest, both players started strong on their serve for the first six games. Iga Swiatek targeted Kostyuk’s backhand, but the Ukrainian repositioned to negate the Pole’s plans. Swiatek still managed to force Kostyuk to her backhand, which left the space wide open for the former to score the break with a forehand at 4-3.
Despite falling behind, Kostyuk continued to hustle for points and rallied back to regain a 6-5 lead. Swiatek succumbed to pressure and uncharacteristically conceded a double fault to set up the set point for Kostyuk. The Ukrainian seized the opportunity with both hands and fired a backhand winner to take the opening set.
The second continued the same trend, Swiatek breaking the serve, but Kostyuk restored parity after the former committed a double fault. Iga Swiatek continued to perish with 39 unforced errors and eventually fell to a bitter 7-5, 6-1 defeat.
Edited by Shyam Kamal
