Aryna Sabalenka strategic brilliance was on full display as she outplayed first seed Iga Swiatek 6–4, 6–3 to secure a spot in the 2025 French Open semifinals. She entered the match with a clear plan and executed it flawlessly. Sabalenka’s calculated moves set the tone, disrupted Swiatek’s rhythm, and controlled the pace of every rally from the very first game.
Sabalenka came back hard, struck short balls with intent, and served hard. She broke the serve of Swiatek early in the first set and never looked back. She wouldn’t let Swiatek settle into her rhythm on the clay court. Sabalenka took away the power forehand of Swiatek, which was heavy with topspin and caused errors from both wings by taking time away from the defending champion.
Sabalenka raised her arms and smiled with controlled pleasure after announcing victory in a mere ninety-one minutes. She explained to Marion Bartoli, the interviewer who met with her on the court, “I played fearless because I had faith in my game.” “I actually like Iga a lot, but I was still aggressive and focused on each ball.”
Swiatek Challenges
Despite her dominant clay record, Swiatek couldn’t withstand Sabalenka relentless intensity and pressure. She ended up playing defence far too often and struggled with depth on her forehand. Sabalenka came inside the baseline and delivered winners at will, and her patented sliding and angles didn’t leave holes.
Swiatek, a player who didn’t shy away from acknowledging her opponent’s skills, presented world No. 1 with an unusual challenge. Sabalenka’s relentless approach and unwavering focus kept Swiatek on her toes, trying to stretch out rallies and alter the rhythm. In her post-game press conference, Swiatek’s respect for Sabalenka’s performance was evident. She admitted, “She played a great match.” “She took the initiative, and I couldn’t come up with answers quick enough.”
Gauff
On the other side of the draw, Coco Gauff displayed her calm and poise as she defeated Elena Rybakina 7–5, 4 to secure her second career French Open semifinal. Gauff’s blend of defensive skills and aggressive base ne hitting was a sight to behold. She absorbed Rybakina’s power with ease, held serve under pressure, and returned well, all while maintaining her calm and poise.
Gauff had a clear plan of attack entering the match. She opened the court with her enhanced forehand and altered the rhythm with her backhand. Sabalenka went after the ball, moved effortlessly, and maintained her concentration during pivotal moments. She served out the match confidently after breaking Rybakina in the later stages of both sets.
Chloé Boisson
Unseeded 22-year-old Frenchwoman Chloé Paquet upset Ons Jabeur in the gruelling sets, 4–6, 7–5, and 6–4, extending her remarkable Roland Garros run. Boisson rallied from a set down, fueled by the home crowd, to outlast the seasoned Jabeur in a thrilling, drama-filled match.
Boisson patrolled every square inch of the course and employed grit and agility to combat Jabeur’s spins, slices, and drop shots. She carried her mentum into the decider after breaking serve toward the end of the second set. She grew more confident and assured with each game. With each point that she won, the crowd exploded, and Boisson became more animated with each clap.
The New Challenger
Sabalenka win against Swiatek, the first seed and a formidable opponent, has catapulted her to the top seed and the player to beat. She enters the final with confidence, momentum, and a well-rounded game that is well-suited for the Paris clay, and she waits for the winner of Gauff vs. Boisson. Last year, Sabalenka reached the semifinals but failed to win the championship. She seems more battle-hardened, calm, and razor-sharp. No, she asserted, “I’ve learnt from the past.” “I’m staying in the here and now. One point at a time, one match at a time.”
