Iga Swiatek shuns TV shows to stay sharp in French Open title defence
"I just go to the park, do some Legos, read a book, and not watch too many TV shows because then I have weird dreams," Iga Swiatek said with a smile when asked about her day-off routine at the French Open. The response gave a glimpse into the unflappable mindset of the four-time Roland Garros champion, who continues to make one of the toughest tournaments in tennis look like a weekend stroll.advertisementOn Wednesday, May 28, Swiatek made quick work of British star and 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu, winning 6-1, 6-2 in just over an hour to extend her stunning winning streak in Paris to 23 consecutive matches. She has now reached the third round of the French Open ever since she made her debut in the clay-court Grand Slam in 2019. | French Open, Day 4 Highlights |She has now beaten Raducanu in all five of their meetings, all in straight sets, underscoring the gulf between the Pole's clay-court mastery and Raducanu's still-evolving game on the red dirt.
It has been a subdued build-up to Roland Garros for the World No. 5, whose best result on clay is a run to the Madrid Open semi-final. However, in Paris, she looked switched on and ready to defend her title for the third successive time.advertisement"I just wanted to play my game," Swiatek said post-match. "I felt good on court. I thought I could do what I had planned to, adjust to the conditions because it was windy. I am happy that I did that well and I am through."Swiatek after beating Emma Raducanu at Roland Garros'What is your routine during a day off?'Iga: 'I just go to the park, do some legos, read a book, and not watch too many tv shows because then I have weird dreams'pic.twitter.com/hWZTBbzWys— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 28, 2025Swiatek is now eyeing an unprecedented fourth consecutive title at Roland Garros - something no woman has achieved in the Open Era. And her dominance isn't limited to clay. She is the only player - male or female - to have reached the third round in all 21 Grand Slam events since the start of 2020. The next closest? Novak Djokovic, with 18."Probably the topspin that I play," she said when asked about her Parisian success. "I love playing here. This place inspires me and makes me work harder. I think having some time off before helped me a bit. I'm ready to fight for it and compete."Against Raducanu, who has struggled with illness and form, Swiatek briefly wobbled in the opening games, tallying eight unforced errors early on, before switching gears with surgical precision. The Brit carved out three break points in the second set but failed to convert, and Swiatek sealed the win with a trademark backhand down the line.Next up, she faces either Sara Bejlek or Jaqueline Cristian. But with her quiet routines, clear head, and clay court command, Swiatek remains the most formidable force in Paris - TV shows or not.Trending Reel
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