The Polish woman’s nightmare during Roland Garros. She became a hero in the fight against pain

Magda Linette was the first Polish representative to appear on the court in the main tournament of Roland Garros 2026. The most experienced Polish singles player faced the Czech Tereza Valentova. Her opponent, who is only 19 years old, is at a completely different point in her career than the player born in Poznań. However, as it turned out, in the direct clash, the fans could watch a really exciting fight.

Magda Linette fought with pain. The Polish woman’s heroic fight in the Grand Slam

Sunday’s (i.e. May 24) clash had different faces. The Czech started very well because she won the first game 7:5, and in the second she led 4:2, i.e. after breaking the Polish serve. However, Linette tried to make up for the losses and did it in great style. The Poznań player won the next four games to close the set at 6:4 and equalize the match at 1:1. It became clear that after two hours of playing, the competition actually started from the beginning.

Unfortunately, in the third installment… the Pole’s health problems began. The conditions clearly took their toll – Paris welcomed very high temperatures – Linette began to have knee problems, possibly cramps were also involved, the Pole asked twice for medical intervention, although in the regulations, cramp problems cannot be “treated” during the match.

The Poznań native showed great fortitude and will to fight, trying in every possible way to finish the match. Initially, the Pole even served downwards, which surprised Valentova. The Czech woman seemed a bit confused. On the other side of the net, she had an opponent who practically… had trouble moving.

Linette’s heroic attitude is worthy of the greatest applause. Initially, the Pole was unable to overcome the pain enough to close the match, which seemed to be tilting in her favor. Linette was already leading 3:1 and 4:2. Ultimately, however, the set ended in a tie-break (6:6). Linette shortened actions, took risks, most often aiming for two-three moves.

The Poznań player quickly took the lead 4:1 and did not give up this capital. With the score 7-5, one could wonder why the match wasn’t over – but that’s the beauty of the Grand Slam competition. In such a game, in the deciding set and tie-break, the winner must reach 10 points – with a two-point advantage.

After over three hours of play, the Poznań player had match points with the score being 9:7. However, Valentova equalized the score at 9:9. However, the Pole persevered and ultimately won 11:9.

Linette won against the Czech, but the question remains unanswered to what extent the Polish woman will be ready to continue competing during the tournament in Paris. The Poznań player had plans not only to play in singles, but also in doubles on the Parisian clay.

Roland Garros 2026. Where and when to watch the tournament in Paris?

It is worth recalling that Iga Świątek won the Grand Slam event in the French capital four times. The Pole won for the first time in 2020. Then Świątek truly “introduced herself” to a wider audience.

Successes in the form of wins on the courts. The best Polish tennis player also repeated Roland Garros in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Last season, Świątek reached the semi-finals of the event, losing to Aryna Sabalenka after a three-set match. However, the Belarusian did not win the cup in Paris, because it ultimately fell to the American Coco Gauff. The US tennis player will therefore defend her championship title.

The list of Świątek’s successes in Paris also includes the Olympic medal, which the Pole won during the 2024 Games. Although the “Queen of Paris” was the main favorite for the Olympic gold medal, the Polish representative ultimately won the “consolation” in the form of a bronze medal. Looking at history, the first tennis event in the history of the Polish Olympic movement – which is certainly worth noting.

RG 2026 matches are shown on Eurosport, on a total of four channels of the station. Additionally, the online competition is available via the HBO Max platform. The competition in the main tournament is scheduled from May 24 to June 7.