“I feel it is too early.”
That was the response Iga Swiatek gave nearly a fortnight in the past when requested if she feels just like the ‘Queen of Clay’.
Though it’s a play on the nickname given to Rafael Nadal, Swiatek is already following within the footsteps of the 14-time French Open males’s champion.
A win towards Jasmine Paolini within the closing on Saturday will take the Pole to 4 titles at Roland Garros – the identical quantity Nadal held on the similar age of 23.
“We’ll see in 14 years if the journey is analogous,” Swiatek mentioned.
“I would by no means anticipate anyone to check me to Rafa as a result of for me he is above everyone, and he is a complete legend.”
The four-time main winner is the overwhelming favorite towards late bloomer Paolini, who’s making her Grand Slam closing debut.
The 28-year-old Italian had by no means made it previous the second spherical of a significant till January, when she reached the fourth spherical of the Australian Open.
Now she finds herself one win away from Grand Slam glory and a £2m prize pot.
“I used to be watching the opposite Italians make it within the finals and profitable Grand Slams, however [to] think about that may be myself was powerful,” mentioned Paolini.
“I by no means dreamed so massive. By no means.”
The ultimate takes place from 14:00 BST in Paris, with stay commentary obtainable on BBC Radio 5 Sports activities Further and the BBC Sport web site and app.