Back in April 2019, Iga Swiatek and Karolina Muchova were both outside the world’s top 100.
Swiatek had come through qualifying for the Prague Open while Muchova had been handed a wildcard, the latter going on to win their only career meeting in three sets.
On a far grander stage, the pair will meet for only the second time in the final of the French Open on Saturday, Swiatek such a stark favourite for a third title that her supporters have renamed the venue Poland Garros.
The Pole is becoming the dominant player of her generation and believes she has grown markedly from the Muchova match-up four years ago, which she still remembers vividly and fondly.
“I feel like I’m a better player,” she said. “Improvement I feel is everywhere… like tennis wise, mentally, tactically, physically, just having the experience… my whole life basically.”
Despite the lack of head-to-heads, the regular practice partners know each other’s game well but, despite the favourite tag, Swiatek will be wary of the manner in which the Czech recovered from a set, 5-2 down and facing match points to win her semi-final against Aryna Sabalenka.
“She’s a player who can do anything,” said the world No1. “She has great touch, she can also speed up the game, she plays with that kind of freedom of in her movement, and she has a great technique.”
Muchova has recovered from a catalogue of injuries to make her first Grand Slam final after doctors had warned at one stage she may never play professional tennis again.
“I always kept it positive in my mind and tried to work,” she said. “It’s ups and downs in life all the time. Now I’m enjoying that I’m on the upper part now. To now be in a Grand Slam final, it’s my dream.”
