Sabalenka takes out Swiatek to set up French Open final against Gauff

French Open 2025

Location: Roland Garros, May 25 – June

In a sensational semi-final, world no. 1 Aryna Sabalenka defeated four-time champion Iga Swiatek, making it one step closer to a maiden French Open title.

After Lois Boisson’s incredible run was ruthlessly ended by Americans, Sabalenka will face second seed Coco Gauff in Saturday’s showpiece.

To end Swiatek’s 26-game winning streak at the tournament, Belarus’ Sabalenka won 7-6 (7-1) 4-6 6-0.

Swiatek from Poland had a slow start on Roland Garros clay, but Sabalenka won the crucial 22-minute set.

Sabalenka has never reached the Paris final, despite winning three Grand Slam titles in a row on hard courts.

“The job is not yet complete, but it feels incredible. The 27-year-old said, “I’m thrilled with my performance.

I’m proud I was able to capture this victory because it’s the toughest opponent, especially at Roland Garros.

The “Queen of Clay” face the world number one in the crucial stages of the French Open draw was the potential match that everyone was hoping for.

Swiatek and Sabalenka have won six of their past ten majors together and have dominated the WTA Tour for the past three years.

However, Sabalenka was the one who won Roland Garros as the favorite as Swiatek dropped to fifth overall after a turbulent season.

In an edgy opening set, both players appeared to be affected by the magnitude of the eagerly anticipated encounter.

Sabalenka initially settled more quickly in the heavier circumstances that best suit her game after the roof was closed in Paris due to the wet weather.

Swiatek quickly moved a double break ahead of Sabalenka’s return because of the fast pace at which she was returning.

The Pole won the following three games to extend the rallies and put more pressure on Sabalenka’s serve thanks to the tweak, which extended the rallies and extended the lead by 5-4.

Both players appeared to be getting closer, but the momentum remained unbalanced.

A nervy encounter was ultimately decided on a tie-break predominated by the Belarusian, and Swiatek’s serve sank, Sabalenka was unable to serve out the set at 6-5.

The second set saw three successive breaks before Swiatek settled down to maintain the advantage and halt a decider, both of which were based on poor serving and quality returning.

However, Swiatek’s unexpected resumption of serve caused Sabalenka to reach her fifth Grand Slam final without further delay.

Swiatek commented, “I think I lost a little of my intensity.”

Nobody could have predicted that Boisson would be the player to cheer on in the women’s semi-finals for the first time since 2011.

The 22-year-old’s transition from being a novice player recovering from a serious injury to a Grand Slam semi-finalist competing against the best of the world is extraordinary.

Boisson had been scheduled to play in the French Open last year, but he had to withdraw because he tore his anterior cruciate ligament.

However, she made a remarkable run that French fans will never forget after 12 months.

Jessica Pegula, the third seed, and Mirra Andreeva, the sixth seed, both won in the semi-finals, on the biggest stage of her career.

Gauff, however, turned out to be an overreaction.

Boisson’s lack of quality was not made up for by the energy provided, despite having the support of a raucous crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier.