Iga Swiatek’s fantastic run in 2022 continued in Rome as she defeated Ons Jabeur 6-2 6-2 to defend her Italian Open title.
Swiatek, a firm favourite to win this year's French Open, broke down into tears on the clay after sealing her fifth straight title and her 28th successive win. It is the first time the world No.1 has ever defended a title and only dropped four games en route to a convincing win in one hour and 23 minutes.
Swiatek now has the longest winning streak on the WTA tour since Justine Henin got up to 32 in 2008. Swiatek has only dropped 28 games in her last eight WTA finals. Speaking after the match, she said:
"I want to congratulate Ons because she had such a good run on the clay court. You have shown fight, spirit, so much variety that it's really nice to have you on tour. Your tennis is different and your tennis is really interesting for women's tennis I think."
She continued:
"It wasn't easy for the whole week to play every day, but the crowd gave me so much energy that it was no nice to play here and be in Rome. I agree with Ons in terms of good pasta. I am going to celebrate with a lot of tiramisu. No regrets!"