Swiatek Fights Back for Victory as Alcaraz Wins Praise for Fair Play at Roland-Garros

Iga Swiatek produced a stirring comeback to keep her French Open title defence alive, while Carlos Alcaraz drew praise for a rare act of sportsmanship during another dramatic day at Roland-Garros.
Top seed Swiatek battled back from a set and a break down to defeat Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina 1-6, 6-3, 7-5 in the fourth round, extending her unbeaten run in Paris to 25 matches and strengthening her bid for a record-equalling fourth consecutive title on the clay.
The Polish star looked in serious trouble after losing eight of the first nine games but rallied with characteristic poise and power. After clinching the final two games and sealing the win with a forehand winner, Swiatek dropped to her knees in celebration.
On the men’s side, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz showed a different kind of composure in his fourth-round match against American Ben Shelton.
In a moment of confusion early in the second set, Alcaraz returned a ball while not holding his racket — which had slipped from his grasp mid-air. Although the point was initially awarded to him, the Spaniard immediately approached the chair umpire to admit the error, knowing that such a return is not legal under tennis rules.
The point was rightly awarded to Shelton, and Alcaraz’s honesty was met with applause from the crowd on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Both moments underscored not only the intensity of Grand Slam tennis, but the character of two of the sport’s brightest stars — one showing resilience in the face of adversity, the other upholding the integrity of the game. (Agencies)