Iga’s take on things:
On the match: “For sure it was intense. In the second set it was kind of tight because we were breaking each other, but I’m happy that I was consistent with my tactics – I didn’t overthink stuff and I just went for it at the end.”
On Gauff: “I think she’s progressing a lot. You can see by her results. Last year’s US Open showed for sure that she’s tough. I think at this age, it’s obvious that she’s going to grow, so it’s great to see her handling everything around her so well – I’m sure we’re going to have plenty more really intense matches at the highest level because Coco is one of the most consistent players out there.”
On her tennis after surviving match point against Osaka in the second round: “For sure something changed. I would say I just adjusted better to the court. It’s not easy to play the first matches on a Grand Slam because the atmosphere is much different than it is in other tournaments. I guess with Naomi I didn’t have time to get into it.
“It was intense from the beginning and she put pressure on me, so I’m happy that I handled it well. After that the weather changed also and it helps my game. I just gained confidence.”
On being compared to her idol Rafael Nadal: “We’ll see in 14 years if the journey is similar. I mean, that’s obviously really nice for me. I would never expect anybody to compare me to Rafa because for me he’s above everybody, and he’s a total legend. Yeah, as I said, we’ll see in couple of years, but I’m proud of myself that I’m playing consistently here and that I’m mentioned in the same sentence as Rafa. That’s cool.”
Gauff’s take
On her feelings about her evolving tactics: “I actually didn’t feel like uncomfortable today. I did make more errors than I’m used to, but I mean, I feel like I have to know that I’m developing and I’m changing the way that I played. When I started on tour, I was a lot, I guess, weaker than everybody, younger. I had to play a certain way to win.
“Now if I want to transcend to the next level, there’s a different way to play.”
On closing the gap with Swiatek: “I have to be positive and believe in myself. Today I felt very confident going into the match. I know that there are things that I can improve to make this a closer score line.”
What the pundits said
“That adrenaline with that controversy was exactly what she may have needed to turn this match around.” – Andrea Petkovic, after Gauff’s argument with umpire Aurelie Tourte in the second set.
“A solid, smart match against a very tricky opponent.” – Lindsay Davenport on Swiatek’s performance.
“I think it’s important that Coco keeps trying new tactics, and I think she will have another lesson from this match, but we can’t forget how solid, how consistent and how well in the end Iga Swiatek played.
“She is the world No.1, she is the best player at Roland-Garros and she is the player to beat. I do think Gauff’s game plan was the right thing to try. When you are down 1-10 in the head-to-head you have to try something new, but this was another amazing performance by Iga Swiatek and I just can repeat myself by saying it’s incredible to watch her from so close up.” – Andrea Petkovic, on the match.