Iga Swiatek's French Open Exit on her 25th Birthday

AI Summary

Iga Swiatek's 25th birthday celebrations turned sour at the French Open as she lost to Marta Kostyuk in the fourth round, ending her challenge for a fifth title.

Iga Swiatek's Unhappy Birthday at French Open

Iga Swiatek's 25th birthday celebrations turned sour at the French Open on Sunday as the former champion lost 7-5, 6-1 in the fourth round to the Ukrainian 15th seed Marta Kostyuk, her challenge for a fifth title ending just when she had looked to be rediscovering her rhythm.

The Match Turning Point

There was little to separate the duo in the early exchanges as they twice traded breaks, before Kostyuk came up with a tight hold in the 11th game and raised her level at the end to claim the opening set with a backhand crosscourt winner.

Kostyuk's Historic Win

It was the first time that Kostyuk had taken a set off the third-seeded Pole after three straight-set defeats in their previous meetings, and she sensed a big upset when she went ahead 3-1 in the next set after a battling effort.

The Impact on Swiatek's Title Hopes

The Rouen and Madrid champion held her nerve from there to take her record on clay this season to 15-0, and book a meeting with the seventh-seeded Ukrainian Elina Svitolina or the 11th-seeded Swiss Belinda Bencic in the next round at Roland Garros.

What's Next

Tumaini Carayol’s report to follow