No. 5 Swiatek Off To No. 5 Bid

Record-chasing Pole, inspired by Nadal tribute, eases to a date with Raducanu

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PARIS - Defending champion Iga Swiatek said she was inspired by an emotional tribute to the "King of Clay" Rafael Nadal as she launched her quest for a fifth French Open title with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova on May 26.

The Pole, a four-time champion who is on a 22-match winning run in Paris, is looking to become the first female player to win four straight Roland Garros crowns in the Open era.

She arrived more than 10 days before the tournament to get sufficient training on the clay courts and it has so far paid off.

"It was the first time we had this situation (of arriving early)," Swiatek said in a post-match interview. "But I liked it.

"I knew I am going to have the best courts to practise on. It was not an easy match. She played with a lot of freedom. So I knew I need to stay proactive and try to create and use my weapons."

The 23-year-old may have dropped to world No. 5 but her record on clay means if anyone is to inherit the mantle of the retired Nadal, it is likely to be the four-time French Open champion.