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Iga Svetek came through a titanic second-round clash with fellow four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka to reach the French Open Championship third round.
Osaka looked poised for her biggest win in years when she led the world No. 1 and defending champion 5-2 in the third set. However, the 26-year-old from Japan will have nightmares about a missed forehand as Swiatek survived a match point to come back from the brink of defeat to win 7-6 (1), 1-6, 7-5.
It was a remarkable effort from Osaka, the former world No. 1, who only returned to action in January after taking time off to start a family. She also never really enjoyed playing clay after failing to get past the third round in Paris and is now ranked No. 134 in the world.
In contrast, Poland’s Swiatek has looked unbeatable on her best surface this season, winning her last 13 matches, including titles in Madrid and Rome, and is hot favorite for a third straight Roland Garros title and fourth in five years.
Toumaini Carayol’s report from Roland Garros to follow soon…
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