Ending the match how they started it 🤗 Birthday girl @iga_swiatek marches on in straight sets on Chatrier. #RolandGarros
"It's never easy to play against your best friend" - Reigning French Open champion Swiatek after opening win over Juvan
WTAMonday, 31 May 2021 at 17:30
Iga Swiatek had to put friendship aside to send out an early statement at the French Open as she began her title defence with a 6-0, 7-5 win over Kaja Juvan.
Swiatek spoke about her tactics in facing Juvan, who is known to be best friends on tour with the now 20-year-old who celebrated her birthday with the win.
“It's never easy to play against your best friend,” Swiatek said post match.
“I have some experience because I played with Kaja for a few times. I played with my other friends on junior level. You just try to block this friendship for two hours, just focus on the game.
Chances to retain title
On how her game stacks up compared to winning the title last year, the recent Rome winner said she feels a lot better which is ominous for the field.
"I feel like my game is better and better,” added Swiatek, who plays Sweden’s Rebecca Peterson in the second round.
“My coaches were planning everything for me to have the peak of my shape right now. Hopefully it's going to be here. But still even though I have big confidence and I'm feeling really good, we still have to remember that every match has a different story and many things can happen on court.”
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