Iga Świątek’s odds to win the French Open this year are nothing short of staggering. As the 2024 season progresses, her dominance on the clay courts, particularly at Roland Garros, has been the talk of the tennis world. Experts are calling her chances of clinching another French Open title “insane,” and it’s easy to see why.
Świątek, the current world No. 1, has built a reputation as one of the most formidable players on the WTA Tour. But when it comes to clay, her game reaches another level. With three French Open titles in the past four years (2020, 2022, and 2023), Świątek has proven time and again that the red dirt is her domain. In fact, she has often made it look almost effortless, sweeping through opponents with remarkable ease and confidence.
Unmatched Success on Clay
Świątek’s mastery on clay courts is unmatched in the modern tennis era. Her fluid movement, powerful groundstrokes, and ability to construct points meticulously suit the slow-playing surface of clay, which allows her to extend rallies and dictate play from the baseline. While other top players struggle to adapt to the rigors of Roland Garros, Świątek thrives, using her exceptional athleticism and mental toughness to remain unfazed by pressure.
She first burst onto the scene in 2020 when she stormed to her maiden French Open title as an unseeded 19-year-old. Her flawless run included a dominant 6-4, 6-1 victory over Sofia Kenin in the final. That triumph marked the beginning of a legendary clay court career that has only grown stronger with time.
In 2023, Świątek defended her French Open title with a thrilling 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 win over Karolina Muchová in the final, solidifying her position as the undisputed queen of the surface.
A Record-Breaking Run
Not only is Świątek’s dominance at the French Open impressive, but her record on clay courts overall is exceptional. Her consistency is another key factor that sets her apart from her rivals. In 2023 alone, she extended her unbeaten streak on clay to 37 consecutive matches, an achievement that had not been seen in women’s tennis for decades. She is also one of the few players to have won a high percentage of her clay-court matches, further solidifying her place in tennis history.
With such a remarkable track record, it’s no surprise that bookmakers have given her odds that most players could only dream of. Some analysts have even gone as far as to say that Świątek could be the closest thing to a lock for the title, a rarity in a sport as unpredictable as tennis.
Challengers to Watch
Of course, no athlete’s journey to a Grand Slam is free from challengers. While Świątek remains the overwhelming favorite, there are other players who could potentially spoil her French Open dreams. The likes of Aryna Sabalenka, the Australian Open champion, and the 2024 Australian Open finalist, Elena Rybakina, have shown they can compete with the best. However, these players still face a tough task when trying to dethrone the world’s top-ranked player on her favorite surface.
But it’s clear that Świątek’s immense physicality, mental fortitude, and refined clay-court skills give her a huge advantage. The challenge for her opponents will be not only to find ways to break her game but to deal with her relentless intensity over the course of an entire tournament.
A New Era of Tennis Excellence
In many ways, Świątek is ushering in a new era of tennis excellence. With her combination of youth, talent, and consistency, she has redefined what it means to be a clay-court specialist, elevating the expectations for what is possible on the surface. Many experts see her as the most dominant force in women’s tennis today, and with good reason—she has not only the skills but the mindset needed to thrive at the highest level.
As the 2024 French Open approaches, all eyes will be on Świątek as she seeks to extend her reign and add to her already illustrious career. Given her track record, it’s hard to argue that her odds to win are anything less than “insane.” If she continues on this trajectory, she will likely further solidify her place as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
For now, the tennis world waits with bated breath to see whether anyone can stand in her way come May. The French Open may be just around the corner, but for Iga Świątek, the only question that remains is: who can stop her?
