French Open champion Iga Swiatek urges Ukraine to 'stay strong'

Polish star has worn Ukraine colours throughout the Paris tournament

Poland's Iga Swiatek during the trophy ceremony after beating Coco Gauff for the French Open in Paris on June 4, 2022. AFP

Iga Swiatek of Poland celebrates with the trophy. Getty

Coco Gauff reacts during the trophy ceremony. AFP

Iga Swiatek of Poland after beating Coco Gauff to win the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris on June 4, 2022. EPA

Iga Swiatek embraces Coco Gauff at the end of the match. Getty

Coco Gauff plays a forehand against Iga Swiatek. Getty

Coco Gauff found it tough going. Getty

Coco Gauff plays a shot against Poland's Iga Swiatek. AP

Poland's Iga Swiatek reacts during the women's singles final at the French Open. Reuters

Newly crowned French Open champion Iga Swiatek urged Ukraine to "stay strong" following the invasion by Russia.

Minutes after she had crushed American Coco Gauff 6-1, 6-3, the Polish top seed, who played the entire tournament with a ribbon in the Ukrainian colours pinned to her cap, said: "I would like to say something to Ukraine. Stay strong, the war is still there.

"Since my first speech in Doha (in February) basically I was hoping when I am doing the next one the situation will be better.

"But I still have hopes and try to support so thank you guys," said the 21-year-old amid roaring applause from the crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Swiatek, who is on a 35-match winning run, had addressed the situation in Ukraine following her title win in Doha on February 26, two days after Russian troops had launched the invasion.

The men's and women's tennis tours have banned Russia and Belarus from international team competitions following the invasion, which Moscow calls a "special military operation", but allowed players from the two countries to compete as neutrals.

Gauff praised the Pole for mentioning Ukraine, saying it was important to speak out.

"I think it's wonderful she brought that (Ukraine) up in her speech. I thought that was really nice and thoughtful of her," said Gauff, who earlier this week appealed for an end to gun violence in the United States following recent mass shootings.

"I think in general using sports as a platform is important. It's important that we mention these things. Writing something isn't going to end it... but for me, it's about influencing the leaders that are in office and leaders around the world maybe to hear that message."

Swiatek ruthlessly crushed American teenager Gauff with her punishing groundstrokes to end the encounter in just over an hour.

"Two years ago winning this title was amazing. Honestly I wouldn't expect it, ever. But this time I feel like I worked hard and did everything to get here even though it was pretty tough. The pressure was big," she said.

Swiatek, who dropped just one set in the entire tournament, had earlier teared up when hearing the Polish national anthem following her win.