"This year I had more pressure on me" - Swiatek reflects on being unable to defend Roland Garros title

After riding an 11-match winning streak at Roland Garros since last September, defending champion Iga Swiatek finally fell to Maria Sakkari in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.

The eighth seed was unable to find her rhythm, as she was defeated 6-4 6-4 by the Greek World No.18. Despite being unable to defend her title, the Polish star was not too disappointed with her overall performance at the French Open.

"Obviously I didn't play my best tennis, that's for sure,” Swiatek said. “But Maria did a good job with playing at my forehand, which wasn't working pretty well today… This year I had more pressure on me, but also I did good because I think quarter-final is a good job."

The 20-year old hopes admitted she did not play her best on Wednesday, but tried to take away positives from her loss, adding that she would learn from the experience.

“I'm showing consistency. Obviously I know I can play better than today. Everybody has seen that," stated Swiatek. "I know I can play heavier balls and everything, but days like that happen.

"I didn't have a day like that last year. Basically that's why I won, but the most important thing right now is to take lessons of it, not let it happen next time.”