Iga Swiatek celebrated her 23rd birthday with a routine victory against Marie Bouzkova in the third round of the French Open.
Swiatek was serenaded by the crowd with a rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ on Court Philippe Chatrier after wrapping up a 6-4 6-2 win.
The Pole, who is chasing a third straight French Open title, has now won 17 matches in a row at Roland Garros.
She will now face Russia’s Anastasia Potapova, who defeated Wang Xinyu of China 7-5 6-7 (6-8) 6-4.
Four-time major winner Swiatek was forced to save a match point against Japan’s Naomi Osaka before winning a three-set thriller in the last round.
It was a more straightforward affair against Bouzkova though, with the world number one sending 34 winners past the player from the Czech Republic.
Bouzkova conceded serve twice in the first set before clawing back a break of her own, but Swiatek held firm to take the opener and went a double break up early in the second set.
Bouzkova, ranked 42nd in the world, saved a match point at 5-2 but it only delayed the inevitable as Swiatek clinched victory at the fourth time of asking.
“I feel good physically, I had a day off yesterday,” said Swiatek.
“I don’t feel like the match [against Osaka] stayed with me but we’ll see at the end of the tournament.”
There were also wins for Coco Gauff and Ons Jabeur on day six in Paris.
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