Alize Cornet has become the first player since February 16th to defeat Iga Swiatek after producing a stunning win to knock the top seed out of Wimbledon.
In what was their first Tour meeting the 32-year-old battled to a shock 6-4, 6-2, victory. Ending Swiatek’s winning run of 37 matches and preventing her from becoming the first woman to reach 38 since Stefi Graf did so more than 30 years ago (1989-1990). Cornet’s triumph saw her hit a total of 16 winners as she capitalized on 32 unforced errors produced by her opponent.
Whilst unseeded, Cornet has the game that can trouble anybody when she is on top form. This year’s Wimbledon is her 62nd consecutive appearance in the main draw of a Grand Slam which is something that has only ever been achieved by Japan’s Al Sugiyama on the WTA Tour. She has beaten three players whilst they have been ranked No.1 in the world, including Serena Williams in the third round of Wimbledon eight years ago.
“I have no words right now. It reminds me of the time I bet Serena on this Court exactly eight years ago. I think this court is a lucky charm for me,” said Cornet.
“I’m a huge fan of Iga. I mean, she’s so talented and such an amazing player. She is also a nice ambassador for women’s tennis. So I am very flattered that I beat her today.”
A poor start to the match by Swiatek enabled Cornet to storm to a 3-0 lead with relative ease. The Pole produced nine unforced errors during a period that had a pattern of patchy play similar to her rollercoaster second round win over Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove. Swiatek eventually found her footing to retrieve one of the breaks she lost but found it tough going to tame her aggressive-hitting rival. Serving for the set, Cornet worked her way to a 40-15 lead after her rival hit a backhand into the net. She then prevailed with a smash at the net.
Facing the prospect of suffering her earliest exit from a major since the 2020 US Open, Swiatek tried to get the ball rolling by breaking early in the second set before losing her advantage in the following game. Then it was Cornet’s turn once again to have the momentum with a scorching return enabling her to break once again for a set and 3-2 lead. Steamrolling her way to a surprise victory, Cornet triumphed after a Swiatek forehand hit the net.
“These kinds of matches are the ones I am living for. These are the ones that I practice for every day. It really drives me,” said the Frenchwoman.
“I knew I had the belief (to win). I know she has 37 wins in a row but I was like ‘if there is a moment you can beat her it’s now on the grass.’ She feels a little less comfortable on grass than other surfaces. I was just believing very hard and I was very focused.”
It is only the second time in 62 appearences that Cornet has reached the second week at Wimbledon. The win comes during a season where she reached her maiden major quarter-final at the Australian Open in January.
“I’m like a good wine – always ages well,” she jokes.
“It’s unreal that I am playing one of the best seasons of my career. I’m having so much fun and feeling good physically. I’m still so motivated and have the fire inside of me.”
Cornet will play Ajla Tomljanović in the fourth round on Monday.
