Kenin KOs Kvitova, Will Meet Swiatek In French Open Final

The final Grand Slam of the 2020 will feature to surprise participants playing for the French Open title.

Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin will meet the 54th-ranked Iga Swiatek on Saturday for their first clay title and of course the French Open.

Swiatek stayed red-hot dominating qualifier Nadia Podoroska 6-2, 6-1 in just 70 minutes.

“I’m kind of surprised! I never thought before the tournament I would play so well. But I always knew that if I was going to make a final of a Grand Slam, it would be the French Open,” said Swiatek.

“This is what I planned to move. I wanted to play this match as if it was a first round. I didn’t want to think about being in the semifinal because it would stress me. I just kept being aggressive, like in the previous matches. I’m feeling lucky that I’m feeling good and nothing hurts.”

Coming to the French, Swiatek lost in the first round of Rome to qualifier Arantxa Rus. Now, the 19-year-old has lost just 23 games en route to her second career final. Swiatek showed no mercy and no letdown after her big fourth round win over Simona Halep.

“It seems unreal. On one hand I know that I can play great tennis. On the other hand, it’s kind of surprising for me. I never would have thought that I’m going to be in the final. It’s crazy,” Swiatek said. “It’s amazing for me, like a dream come true.

“I think it’s going to hit me, like, after the tournament. Right now, I’m just living the dream. I just want to focus on the other matches, on doubles. I’m going to enjoy everything after.”

Swiatek will try to become the first player from Poland to win a singles title at a Grand Slam.

“Sofia, she’s on fire this year,” Swiatek said. “Usually I’m that kind of player who is playing better under pressure. If I’m not going to choke up, I think everything will be fine.”

Kenin won’t be in awe of the moment. She beat Serena Williams a year ago at Roland Garros and today knocked out fan favorite Petra Kvitova 6-4, 7-5.

“She’s such a tough player, she’s got a great aggressive game and such a big serve. I knew I had to bring my ‘A’ game in order to win,” said Kenin.

“I’m super proud of myself, it was a great match, and I’m super happy.”

Kenin blinked on her first ask to serve it out, but got it done the second time to reach her first career final on slippery surface.

The 21-year-old American is now 16-1 on the season in Grand Slams.

“I’ve already done it in Australia,” Kenin said. “I’ve had tough matches these past two weeks and I’m so excited to be in the final. It’s incredible. I’m going to enjoy this moment today and get ready for the final tomorrow.”

The two have never met on the main tour but Kenin recalled her junior loss to Swiatek at the 2016 French Open.

“We played in juniors in the French Open. It was a close one. I’m going to prepare for the final and I’m going to do my best.

Said Swiatek, “I have no expectations. I don’t care if I’m going to lose or win. I’m going to just play my best tennis. The final is also a great result, so really I have no pressure.”

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