Roland-Garros 2025: Iga Swiatek, the three-time title holder, ousts Elena Rybakina, progressing to the last eight.
From Dazed to Aces: Swiatek Overcomes Rybakina in Clay Spectacle
Stepping onto the Philippe-Chatrier court on June 1st, Iga Swiatek (ranked 5) was barely recognizable during her fourth round match against Kazakhstani Elena Rybakina (world No. 12). The four-time Roland-Garros champion struggled in the opening set, squandering her serve and racking up errors, allowing her opponent to sprint to a 5-0 and 6-1 lead in mere 39 minutes.
A sluggish start soon turned into a thrilling rollercoaster ride as the match entered its second set. With her champion's spirit kicking into gear, Swiatek turned up the aggression, clawing her way back into the competition and leveling the tally at 3-2, partly due to a timely saving of three break points and the committed addition of three double faults.
Finding Her Form
The deciding set witnessed both players raising their games, with Rybakina initially securing break opportunities, all defused by Swiatek. The Pole soon broke back, only to relinquish her serve. Remaining steadfast and consistent, Swiatek eventually broke at the crucial 5-5 mark, securing the match 7-5 with a final triumphant shot.
Speaking after her hard-fought victory, Swiatek shared her thoughts with Mats Wilander, "It was incredibly tough. Elena really pushed me in the first set. I had to do something to get back into the game. I simply had to fight, hoping she played a bit worse. In the end, I managed to play my game and win, so I'm incredibly happy."
Swiatek now progresses to the French Open quarterfinals for the sixth time in seven attempts, set to face Ukrainian Elina Svitolina for a place in the semifinals. Their last encounter at the Miami Open on March 25th ended in Swiatek's favor.
Iga Swiatek's triumph over Elena Rybakina echoes her unyielding spirit and exemplary clay-court skills, extending her bid for an unprecedented fourth consecutive French Open title. With the upcoming match against Svitolina promising another formidable contest, Swiatek's quest for continued success on the Paris clay courts continues.
In the midst of her French Open journey, Iga Swiatek seized another over Elena Rybakina, showcasing her prowess not just on clay but also in sports like tennis, a game she honed while growing up in Poland. As she prepares to face Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals, Swiatek's French tennis triumph portrays her unwavering resilience and mastery of clay-court sports, marking her path towards a potential fourth consecutive Roland-Garros title.
