French Open 2022 women’s singles champion Iga Swiatek felt “overwhelmed” by the presence of Poland and Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski during the final.
While Swiatek cruised to a 6-1, 6-3 win over 18-year-old Coco Gauff, Lewandowski watched from the stands, with the women’s world number one blissfully unaware of the Polish striker’s presence.
When made aware that Lewandowski had flown to Paris to watch her play, the 21-year-old Swiatek said, “I didn’t know [Lewandowski was in the stands], and I’m happy about that, because I would get so stressed.”
Also read | ‘Just the beginning’ says Iga Swiatek’s coach after she wins 2nd Grand Slam
“Well, I’m happy that he’s here, honestly. I don’t know if he’s like a huge tennis fan or not. But, yeah, I mean, wow,” Swiatek added.
“He’s been a top athlete in our country for so many years that it still feels hard to believe that he came to watch me. I hope he liked it. I hope he’s going to come back. Yeah, I don’t know. Just overwhelmed,” the newly-crowned French Open women’s champion concluded.
Lewandowski, who is reportedly on the verge of sealing a move away from Bayern to Xavi’s Barcelona, got to witness a robust performance from Swiatek in the final, with the Pole wrapping up an almost immaculate run in the French Open, having dropped only one set in the entire tournament.
Also read | ‘Thank you tennis’: Iga Swiatek pens note after French Open win
The victory over American Coco Gauff saw Swiatek seal the second Grand Slam win of her career, as well as her second French Open title.
The Pole began the 2022 season in disappointing fashion, crashing out of the Adelaide International, Australian Open, and Dubai Tennis Championships.
Since, then, however, Swiatek has won every single tournament she’s competed in, including the Qatar Open, Indian Wells Open, Miami Open, Stuttgart Open, Italian Open, and French Open.