Swiatek ready for unknown against Muchova in final
BBC Iga Swiatek won the French Open title in 2020 and 2022
The odds may be in Iga Swiatek's favour to land a third French Open title in four years but when she walks on court in Saturday's final she will be facing an underdog with a penchant for taking down those at the top.
Enter Karolina Muchova. In five meetings with top three ranked players - including Thursday's semi-final against world number two Aryna Sabalenka - the Czech has won them all.
But while a Grand Slam final is a different beast altogether, Muchova's variety on court will pose a puzzle that top seed Swiatek must piece together in order to retain her title.
She has tried and failed before, Muchova coming out on top in three sets in their only previous meeting in Prague back in 2019, but the Pole has been doing her homework.
"I feel I know Karolina's game anyway because I played many practices with her since 2019 and I also watch her more than most of the players," Swiatek, 22, said.
"I really like her game. I really respect her and she's a player who can do anything. She has great touch. She can also speed up the game.
