Swiatek, who had lost just 23 games en route to the final, produced another bold display by becoming the first Polish player to win a Grand Slam singles title.
Only briefly in the first set did Swiatek show any weakness, letting a 3-0 lead slip away, but having overcome a hotly contested first set, they clinched victory, although the challenge from fourth seed Kenin appeared to be hampered by an injury at the thigh.
Australian Open champion Kenin, herself just 21, needed treatment with 1-2 in the second set and on the restart Swiatek was utterly ruthless, conceding just three more points, sealing the title with an unstoppable forehand, its 25th winner.
Non-seeded Swiatek, who was ranked 54th at the start of the tournament, is the youngest woman to win the French Open since Monica seles in 1992 and the first to do so without losing a set during the fortnight since Justine Henin in 2007.
After claiming victory, he headed to the stands to celebrate with his family, including former Olympic rower father Tomasz and his coach Piotr Sierzputowski.
Recorded in the history books forever. @ Iga_swiatek #RolandGarros https://t.co/sv5kQpECNj
– Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) 1602341088000
“It was overwhelming for me. Two years ago I won a junior Grand Slam and now I’m here. It feels like such a short time. I’m overwhelmed,” Swiatek, the lowest ranked woman to win the French Open since they were introduced the rankings in 1975, he said after returning to the court.
“Another loser wins a Grand Slam in women’s tennis, it’s crazy.”
It was a sad end to the tournament for Kenin, who couldn’t find the way that saw her overcome Petra Kvitova in the semi-finals.
Swiatek started the match on the shady side of the Philippe Chatrier court with Kenin in bright sunshine, but it was Polish tennis that lit up the 84-minute final.
He started as freely as if it were a match at his home club in Warsaw, rushing towards a 3-0 lead.
Kenin, whose expressive and hurt demeanor contrasted with Swiatek’s calm approach, fought back at 3-3 when his backhand started to do some damage.
Swiatek went through a tense service game at 3-3 and in the best step of the game in the final then broke Kenin after another long game in which he saved a game point with a superb falling volley after chasing down a shot from drop.
Kenin broke serve with a glorious backhand to fall behind 5-4, but Swiatek was reveling in the American’s serve and broke for the third time on set to take the opener.
Swiatek dropped serve early in the second set but responded immediately and Kenin’s challenge quickly faded after his left thigh was bandaged.
Logic suggests that nerves might have become a factor as glory called, but Swiatek hit winners across the court to herald himself as the sport’s latest style sensation.
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