Aryna Sabalenka has delivered a stunning performance at the 2025 French Open, defeating four-time champion Iga Swiatek in a gripping semi-final clash to reach her maiden final at Roland Garros. The world number one from Belarus triumphed with a scoreline of 7-6 (7-1), 4-6, 6-0, ending Swiatek’s remarkable 26-match winning streak at the tournament and preventing the Polish star from making history as the first woman to win four consecutive French Open titles in the professional era.
The match unfolded on a drizzly day at Court Philippe-Chatrier, with the roof closed to shield the players from the elements. Both athletes showcased high-quality tennis in the opening sets. Sabalenka edged out a tense first set in a tiebreak, dominating 7-1 in the breaker, demonstrating her mental toughness and precision under pressure. Swiatek, known for her clay-court prowess and relentless baseline game, rallied back in the second set, breaking Sabalenka’s serve to level the match at one set apiece.
However, the decisive third set was a showcase of Sabalenka’s sheer power and dominance. She overwhelmed Swiatek with aggressive groundstrokes and unrelenting pressure, racing through the set 6-0 in just 24 minutes. Swiatek, who had been flawless for much of the tournament, was uncharacteristically error-prone, committing 12 unforced errors in the final set alone, while Sabalenka maintained near-perfect play with zero unforced errors. This stark contrast in performance sealed the match and marked a significant turning point in their rivalry.
This victory is particularly significant for Sabalenka, who has previously won three Grand Slam titles, all on hard courts, but had yet to reach a French Open final. The win not only boosts her confidence but also positions her as a strong contender to claim her first Roland Garros title. “It feels incredible, but the job is not finished yet. I’m delighted with my performance,” Sabalenka said after the match, acknowledging the challenge posed by Swiatek, especially on the Parisian clay.
For Swiatek, the defeat marks a rare setback in her otherwise dominant run at Roland Garros, where she had been unbeaten in 26 matches. The 24-year-old Polish star, who had been aiming to match a century-old record by winning four straight titles, now faces a period of reflection as she has not reached a final in any tournament since last year’s French Open victory. Her recent struggles include a surprising semifinal exit at the 2024 Olympics held at Roland Garros and a doping suspension, which she explained as an unintentional consequence of contaminated medicine.
Looking ahead, Sabalenka will face either American rising star Coco Gauff or French wildcard Loïs Boisson in the final. Gauff, seeded second, is the favorite against Boisson, who has made a remarkable run as a world number 361 and a Grand Slam debutant. Sabalenka’s blend of power and experience makes her a formidable opponent for the final showdown on Saturday.
In conclusion, Aryna Sabalenka’s victory over Iga Swiatek in the 2025 French Open semi-final is a landmark moment in her career and a dramatic twist in the tournament. By ending Swiatek’s dominance at Roland Garros, Sabalenka has not only earned a place in the final but also set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to this year’s clay-court Grand Slam.