'Stay strong Ukraine': French Open champion Swiatek in emotional peace plea / Photo: © AFP
-
Freshways milk-price cut deepens pressure on UK dairy farms
-
India climbs green-transition ranking after first emissions decline in 25 years
-
Labour and National remain virtually tied as New Zealand vote count advances
-
Trump names Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff after midterm losses
-
The Good Daughter adapts Karin Slaughter thriller with Rose Byrne and Meghann Fahy
-
Restored Albanian tower houses anchor new rural tourism trail
-
Heavy-lift drone evacuates wounded Ukrainian soldier from frontline kill zone
-
Sonia Gandhi reflects on family tragedy and reluctant political career
-
Morrison says West Brom recovered after pressure from successive derby losses
-
Pope Leo begins three-country South American tour in Uruguay
-
Britain considers 2027 state visit for Ukraine’s Zelensky
-
Khawaja says entire Australia camp knew of 2018 ball-tampering plan
-
Udinese Falls to Last Place in Serie A After Loss to Venezia
-
Arizona Voters Ban Speed Camera Expansion Amid Vandalism Crisis
-
BSG Chemie Leipzig Defeated by Regionalliga Leaders Rot-Weiß Erfurt
-
Dance Work 'On the Floor' Returns to SF to Explore Queer History and AIDS Crisis
-
Trump and Vance Pursue Secret Diplomacy with Iran Amid Military Pressure
-
Jimenez Extends Lead Over Anderson in Richmond Mayoral Race
-
Inside SFFILM’s Operations: Jordan Menashe on Managing Doc Stories Logistics
'Stay strong Ukraine': French Open champion Swiatek in emotional peace plea
Iga Swiatek received a standing ovation at Roland Garros on Saturday with an emotional "stay strong Ukraine" peace plea after winning her second French Open title.
The 21-year-old Pole was speaking after a 6-1, 6-3 win over Coco Gauff in only 68 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier, equalling Venus Williams' record for the longest winning run by a woman in the 21st century.
"I wanted to say something to Ukraine, to stay strong, because the war is still there," said Swiatek who has worn a ribbon in the colours of the Ukraine flag on her cap throughout the tournament.
"Since I made my speech in Doha (after winning the tournament in February) it had started and I was hoping when I do the next tournament speech the situation will be better but I will still have hope."
Moments later, she told broadcaster NBC: "The war is still there and people are suffering."
"Many players have taken off the (Ukraine) ribbons and there is huge discussion about next tournaments and points. It's not about that but the whole situation there and I want people to be aware."
Swiatek consoled 18-year-old Gauff, the youngest woman in a Slam final since Maria Sharapova at Wimbledon in 2004.
The American sobbed as she sat courtside at the end of the final and again on the trophy podium.
"First I want to congratulate Coco because you are doing an amazing job. You are progressing all the time. You will find it and you will be there I am pretty sure of that," said the Pole.
"When I was your age, I was in my first year on tour and I didn't know what I was doing.
"I want to thank my team, you guys, I mean, oh my god, without you I wouldn't be here, I'm sure of that. I'm glad every piece has come together and we can do this. We deserve to be here. Thanks for your full support all the time no matter what."
Gauff hoped to return to more Slam finals in the future.
"This is a first time for me so I'll try to get through this," she said on the podium.
"Congratulations Iga, what you have done these past few months has been amazing. Hopefully we can play many finals and I can get a win on you one of these days.
"Thank you to you guys in the crowd who supported me even when I was down. Even when I was down match points you guys cheered me on and that means a lot, so truly, thank you."
K.Thomson--BTB