Iga Swiatek kick-started her Roland Garros campaign in perfect fashion earlier today, beating Emerson Jones in straight sets.
It was a classic, ruthless display from the former world number one, who will be desperate to recapture the title from Coco Gauff, having failed to win it for the first time in three years last year.
The 6-1, 6-2 scoreline was indicative of a player who has recaptured her confidence, and at the perfect time no less.
However, Iga Swiatek argued that being a four-time champion at the French Open does not really help when she returns to Paris.
Iga Swiatek speaks for the first time after winning her round one match
She began by reviewing the match, speaking to the crowd as she stated: “I’m just really happy to play on this court. First matches are always also for getting used to the conditions and everything. I’m really happy with the way I played today, tactically, and I felt the ball good. So it was a good first match for sure.”
Then, asked about all the special memories she has shared on Philippe Chatrier, Swiatek instead argued that this breeds more pressure: “Yeah, I mean, come on.
Do you think Iga Swiatek is the favourite to win Roland Garros?
“Nothing comes easy. Like, honestly, I feel like with more titles, it’s even a bit, you know, harder because everyone expects you to be ready always and play perfectly.
“So, no, you need to like, stay humble and not take anything for granted and you know, work your way from the beginning of the tournament to play good, you know, especially after Rome when it was pretty cold and much more heavy. The court seems totally different here, so you need to adjust for sure.”
Laura Robson argued that Swiatek had been handed a boost before the tournament had even begun, and after today, it’s clear she intends to take full advantage of it.
Who is Sara Bejlek, Iga Swiatek’s next opponent at Roland Garros?
Next up for Swiatek is Sara Bejlek, the diminutive Czech star who earned a great first-round victory over former Grand Slam champion Sloane Stephens.
However, her run of form in the lead-up to this event has been far from ideal, with the 20-year-old having won just one match of the last five events she has entered.
Give us your one wild prediction for Roland Garros!
Before that, though, Bejlek actually won a title in Abu Dhabi, beating stars like Sonay Kartal, Clara Tauson and Jelena Ostapenko en route.
Despite standing at just 5 feet 4, she packs a powerful punch and has remarkable movement around the court.
Swiatek is expected to score another easy victory at Roland Garros, but Bejlek certainly won’t go down without a fight.
