Roland Garros Semifinal Preview: Iga Swiatek vs. Nadia Podoroska

Iga Swiatek, the oddsmakers' current favorite to take home her first major title at just 19 years old, has yet to drop a set this week. That includes singles and doubles, where she is also in the semifinals with two-time Grand Slam doubles finalist Nichole Melichar.

Not only has Swiatek not lost a set in singles, she hasn’t lost more than five games in a match. She is playing with a swagger and variety similar to Bianca Andreescu, who was also 19, during her title run at the 2019 US Open. The only difference is that Swiatek isn’t even involving herself with close or dramatic matches. The Pole has won 59% of all her points in Paris. Simply put, she’s been a buzzsaw.

"I just believe that mental toughness is like probably the most important thing in tennis right now because everybody can play on the highest level," Swiatek told press. "But the ones that are tough and can handle the pressure are the biggest ones."

Swiatek will now face 23-year-old Nadia Podoroska, the first player since Alexandra Stevenson in 1999 to advance all the way from qualifying to a Grand Slam semifinal. The Argentine was brilliant in her straight set dismissal of third-seeded Elina Svitolina on Tuesday, breaking the Ukrainian in eight of nine service games.

Both Swiatek and Podoroska will visit the drop shot early and often. The cold, low-bouncing conditions in Paris are rewarding that shot more than ever before.

Against Svitolina, Podoroska controlled the court position with her stellar two-handed backhand, then used her deft touch to end the point on several occasions.

It’s a completely necessary shot in these conditions, but Podoroska will need to use it wisely, as she does not want to engage Swiatek in any cat and mouse points. Swiatek’s hand-eye coordination and improvisational skills have been second to none so far this tournament.

Swiatek is hitting her backhand with laser-like precision, while at the same time hitting her forehand with extreme spin and margin.

Just like her quarterfinal against Martina Trevisan where she fell down 3-1 in the first set, there will be an initial feeling-out period as Swiatek and Podoroska—who have never played before—poke and prod each other to determine the best plan of attack. It’s important for Podoroska to strike first; once Swiatek gets rolling she’s been impossible to stop.

The Pick: Iga Swiatek