Iga Swiatek rallies to secure Olympic bronze after heartbreaking semi-final loss

The world number one suffered her first defeat in 26 matches at Roland Garros on Thursday to China's Zheng Qinwen and broke down in tears afterwards during a TV interview.

But she ensured she will go home with something after easing to a 6-2 6-1 victory over Slovakia's Anna-Karolina Schmiedlova.

Swiatek, whose father was an Olympic rower, said: "I think, had I not played today, I would be crying for a week. I cried for about six hours yesterday, so it was really tough.

"It's sport, it's tennis, usually I am good to understand it's just one part of my life, but this time it was like someone really broke my heart. It's crazy.

"Maybe because I am world number one for such a long time and won so many tournaments, I felt like I can handle everything. But this tournament showed me it is not the case."

There is guaranteed to be a medal for two young Russian athletes in the women's doubles after Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider won their semi-final. They will take on Italian duo Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini for the gold medal.