‘No regrets!’ – Iga Swiatek plans special celebration after Italian Open title continues colossal win streak
World number one Iga Swiatek has added a fifth consecutive title to her astounding 2022 season and now has 28 consecutive wins under her belt this year.
The Pole was defending champion at the Italian Open and claimed back-to-back titles in Rome after downing ninth seed Ons Jabeur 6-2, 6-2 at the Foro Italico.
The Tunisian had already made history herself by becoming just the fourth woman ever to reach the final of both the Madrid Open and Rome in the same season after winning 11 straight matches on clay.
Swiatek noted that impressive run in her victory speech: “First of all I wanted to congratulate Ons (Jabeur) because you’ve had such a great run on the clay.
“You have the fighting spirit, so much variety on court.
“Your tennis is just different and it’s really interesting for women’s tennis.”
Jabeur fought through two three-setters against Maria Sakkari and Daria Kasatkina to face Swiatek in the final, including saving a Kasatkina match point in that semi-final.
5 – Iga #Swiatek is the fourth player in 2000s to win 5+ consecutive tournaments played after Venus Williams in 2000, Justine Henin in 2007-2008 and Serena Williams in 2013. Empress.#IBI22 @WTA_insider @WTA pic.twitter.com/k4mhzytVaT
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) May 15, 2022
But the 20-year-old was imperious as she was in the rest of the tournament, not dropping a set and losing just 21 games over five matches.
Swiatek went on to thank the crowd for their support and liveliness.
She said: “You gave us so much energy.
“It was so nice to play here and to be in Rome.
“Today I’m going to celebrate with a lot of tiramisu, so no regrets!”
With her 28 successive wins, the world number one surpassed Serena Williams’ 2014-15 streak of 27 wins to hold the fourth longest WTA victory run in the 21st century.
Only Justine Henin (32 wins in 2007-8), Serena again (34 wins in 2013) and Venus Williams (35 wins in 2000) can claim more victories in a row this century.
Should Swiatek claim a second Roland Garros triumph next month she would match that Venus run of 35 consecutive match wins.
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