tennis | Saturday, June 10, 2023 10:27 AM

Saturday Tennis Best Bet: WTA French Open, Iga Swiatek vs Karolina Muchova

Jon Reid

Iga Swiatek vs Karolina Muchova Best Bet: Saturday, June 10th

Another year and another French Open final for Iga Swiatek. Still just 22 years old, Swiatek is looking for her third title in Paris. She’ll take on Karolina Muchova, the first time grand slam finalist, who has finally broken through at 26 after a few years battling various injuries.

Let’s break down the final for the 2023 French Open!

In this article:

Iga Swiatek vs Karolina Muchova Preview
Iga Swiatek vs Karolina Muchova Best Bet

Iga Swiatek vs Karolina Muchova Preview

June 10th, 14:00 (UK Time)

Much has been made about Swiatek’s dominance at this event, and on this surface in general. This wouldn’t just be her third title by the age of 22, but it would make it three in the last four years.

What’s more, the world No. 1 has lost a grand total of three sets of tennis at Roland Garros in those four years. It’s tough to put into words how incredible that is.

Her game is based around a decent serve, strong play and movement from the baseline and a forehand that plays well everywhere but is particularly potent on the red dirt, where her ability to generate mind-boggling levels of topspin makes it one of the elite weapons in tennis.

Just to push her one must possess a strong serve, weapons from the baseline, consistency to try and wait out unforced errors here and there from her and the ability to change speeds and switch things up.

Luckily for Muchova, she has all those things. Her serve should find her a few cheap points to help alleviate some of the pressure Swiatek tends to apply on return. Her groundstrokes from the baseline can dictate play and keep Swiatek from taking over and getting the ball to that big forehand. Her game at the net is solid, which is key, because coming in and trying to shorten points is a good strategy here. You simply don’t want to play extended rally after extended rally with Swiatek. Finally, she utilises the drop-shot and has a strong slice game to throw different looks at Swiatek as well.

Iga Swiatek vs Karolina Muchova Best Bet

One other thing worth noting is that Muchova simply doesn’t fade when faced with the task of playing some of the world’s best. While she can struggle when she has the lead to put matches away, she has an incredible record against top five players at some of the biggest events.

That is a tad narrative-based, but I think that the stage of a grand slam final does hit players differently than a second-round encounter against a less talented player at a 250-level tournament.

Being able to perform against the best is crucial and Muchova has shown that ability. I believe she’s one of the more undervalued players on tour and has the tools to match up with Swiatek.

Let’s hope for an entertaining match. Not just as tennis fans, but also because an entertaining match likely means a close one, and that’s good for the over!