Aryna Sabalenka, a 2023 French Open semi-finalist, is set for a high-stakes clash.
French Open 2025
Dates: May 25 – June 8 Venue: Roland Garros
Coverage: Live radio coverage on BBC 5 Live Sport and BBC Sounds; live text updates on the BBC Sport website and app.
World number one Aryna Sabalenka will face three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek in a highly anticipated French Open semi-final.
Sabalenka secured a hard-fought quarter-final victory against China’s Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, 7-6 (7-3), 6-3, on Court Phillippe Chatrier Tuesday.
Swiatek advanced with a 6-1, 7-5 win over Elina Svitolina, setting the stage for a compelling semi-final matchup.
Sabalenka ascended to the world’s number one ranking in October, surpassing Swiatek.
Their head-to-head record stands at 8-4 in Swiatek’s favor, with their last Grand Slam meeting at the 2022 US Open semi-finals.
Swiatek holds four of the past five Roland Garros titles, while Sabalenka aims for her first Paris triumph.
“Aryna’s game adapts to any surface, so I need to focus on myself, execute my strategy, and be decisive in my shots,” Swiatek commented. “It will be a tough match, but I welcome the challenge.”
What Draper needs to overcome the Sinner & Alcaraz hurdle
World number 361 Boisson upsets third seed Pegula
Djokovic defeats Norrie to advance in Paris
Despite Swiatek’s recent dominance at Roland Garros, Sabalenka enters as a strong contender.
She’s secured three titles this year—including a Madrid clay-court victory—and reached two additional finals, solidifying her top ranking.
However, her three-set loss to Madison Keys in the Australian Open final serves as motivation.
Zheng showed promise, ending a six-match losing streak against Sabalenka in Rome, starting stronger in their quarter-final.
Ultimately, Zheng’s 31 unforced errors compared to Sabalenka’s 18, and a 39% second-serve point win rate, proved decisive.
Sabalenka, visibly affected by the wind, overcame an early break in the first set, battling back to 4-4.
She dominated the tie-break, capitalizing on a long forehand from Zheng and consistently recovering from 0-30 deficits on serve in the second set.
After an exchange of breaks, Zheng’s faltering service game allowed Sabalenka to take a 4-3 lead.
Sabalenka’s power prevailed, securing match point with decisive winners against Zheng’s serve.
“That was a real battle—I’m unsure how I managed to turn the first set around,” Sabalenka stated. “I gave my all to win.”
Iga Swiatek boasts four of the past five Roland Garros titles.
Swiatek’s pre-tournament struggles were well-documented, but her form has improved significantly in Paris.
Her comeback victory over Elena Rybakina in the fourth round, rallying from a set and a break down, provided crucial confidence.
Despite a closer-than-the-scoreline first set, Swiatek’s break and subsequent five-game run dominated.
Swiatek, a formidable frontrunner, saved break points, broke serve, and secured a commanding lead, effectively neutralizing Svitolina.
Svitolina, playing more aggressively since her return from maternity leave, took an early 3-1 lead in the second set.
Swiatek broke back and, like Sabalenka, capitalized on a shaky Svitolina service game to regain the advantage and close out the match.
“I aimed for proactive play and control, so I’m pleased with my performance,” Swiatek added.