Iga Swiatek has broken new ground after reaching the fourth round of the French Open.
After escaping from the jaws of defeat against Naomi Osaka in round two, the World number one was keen for a smoother ride in round three.
While she was made to work against Marie Bouzková, the Pole was in control and completed a straight sets win to advance to the last 16.
She will play another unseeded competitor in the form of Anastasia Potapova, who outlasted Wang Xinyu to set up her first meeting with the four-time Grand Slam champion.
Iga Swiatek makes history once again
By reaching the fourth round at the 2024 French Open, Swiatek has achieved something no other player has managed in this century.
According to OptaAce, the 22-year-old has reached the Roland Garros fourth round in each of her first six appearances in the main draw.
Swiatek’s record on clay continues to amaze and she is aiming for a third successive Roland Garros crown.
If she were to retain the title once again, she would become the first player since Serena Williams to win the Madrid, Rome and French Open titles all in the same season.
How did Iga Swiatek reach the fourth round at the 2024 French Open?
Swiatek was pushed in the first set, but ultimately came through and any restraints had been lifted as she took control of set two.
She broke Bouzkova’s serve on four occasions and hit twice as many winners as she completed a 6-4, 6-2 win.
Swiatek seems to have shaken off the scare she had in round two against Osaka and is only looking ahead to her next match.
“I enjoyed playing today,” she said post-match. “I feel good physically. I had a day off yesterday. I don’t feel like this match stayed with me. We’ll see at the end of the tournament.
“Today’s match was solid. I’m happy that I finished in two sets and closed it in an hour and 30 minutes. It’s a good thing.”
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