MusaAll eyes are on Court Philippe-Chatrier as world No. 1 Iga Swiatek kicks off her title defense at Roland Garros, the tournament she has made her personal clay-covered kingdom. The three-time French Open champion returns to Paris not just as the favorite—but as the reigning queen of red dirt. Her dominance on clay has been nothing short of staggering, and with the draw now in motion, the question isn’t if she’ll go deep—it’s who, if anyone, can stop her.
Swiatek enters the 2025 edition riding high from a dominant clay-court swing, complete with titles in Madrid and Rome, and the kind of ruthless form that leaves opponents scrambling for solutions. Her movement, precision, and ability to turn defense into blistering offense make her a nightmare on this surface. Even tennis legends are already whispering the possibility of a fourth crown—yes, that includes you, Justine Henin.
Her first-round opponent? A feisty, big-hitting outsider hoping to pull off the impossible. But history—and Swiatek’s laser-sharp focus—suggests an uphill battle. The Pole has a habit of starting strong and setting the tone early, often dropping fewer games than you’d need to order a coffee in French.
Still, nothing is guaranteed in Paris. The weather can shift, the nerves can creep in, and the pressure of expectation can loom large. But if anyone knows how to handle the spotlight, it’s Iga. After all, she’s not just defending a title—she’s defending an empire.
Let the title defense begin. And good luck to anyone standing on the other side of that net. You’re going to need it.
Musa
Olaniyi Ayoola