Swiatek's coach Tomasz Wiktorowski admits Rome injury nearly ended Roland Garros hopes: "We were unsure if she would play"

Iga Swiatek won her 4th career grand slam trophy at the 2023 Roland Garros (French Open) but there was a chance for it to never happen due to the Rome injury.

Swiatek retired against Elena Rybakina in Rome due to a minor injury which she didn't want to aggravate further ahead of Roland Garros. The injury wasn't just a minor one as it easily could have prevented from her playing at the grand slam. She herself always played down the injury adding that she was fine and her play initially suggested so.

She was quite spectacular but after the final, her coach explained that there was serious doubt about whether she would be able to play in Paris. He also confirmed that this trophy means more to the team than the others:

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Wiktorowski talks Roland Garros triumph

Speaking with Eurosport, the coach of Swiatek admitted taht hte player felt more pressure than last year:

“Iga felt more pressure than last year. It was a huge match, the final of a Grand Slam. Being here back-to-back means something, but also, you demand more from yourself.”

Her play at the event certainly adds to that as she generally didn't play as well as she can play. Far less dominant than last year. Wiktoroski further explained that there were serious doubts about her playing in Paris after the Rome injury:

“She has passed through all the tough moments this year. She was injured badly in Indian Wells and then skipped Miami. Then after Rome, we were unsure if she would be able to play at the French Open until the very last moment. This is why this was the most difficult match for me since I became her coach."

Either way things worked out and Swiatek played at the event and eventually won the trophy. Her 3rd in Paris.

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