Sabalenka ousts Swiatek, advancing to French Open final contest
In a spectacle that captivated the Parisian crowd, Aryna Sabalenka dethroned Iga Swiatek's French Open Title reign, securing a gripping 7-6 (7-1), 4-6, 6-0 victory on June 5. The triumphant Belarusian will now face either Coco Gauff or local heroine Lois Boisson in the championship match on June 7.
"Mate, bloody hell, this feels bloody immense! But I know the job ain't finished yet," Sabalenka cheekily acknowledged.
"I've gotta hand it to the crowd here, y'all make us feel flamin' amazing. Thanks a ton! Iga's a tough cookie, especially on the clay and at Roland Garros. I'm proud as punch I managed to pull off this win. It were a bloody tough battle, but I somehow managed," the 27-year-old expressed.
The formidable Sabalenka's show of power left Swiatek in disarray, who aimed to become the first female player in the Open era to win four consecutive French Open titles. Sabalenka's recent exploits in Grand Slam finals include winning the 2024 US Open and losing the 2023 Australian Open final. Interestingly, she's the first to reach three consecutive Grand Slam finals since Serena Williams in 20161.
The first set was a nail-biter, with eight breaks of serve culminating in a tense tiebreak. Swiatek fought back in the second, only for Sabalenka to turn the match on its head in a third-set masterclass that saw 12 unforced errors from the defending champion and six measly points won2.
Eyeing her fourth Grand Slam title and her first on a surface other than hard courts, Sabalenka now sets her sights on the trophy. Swiatek, however, has yet to reach a WTA final since her 2023 French Open triumph2.
Despite a minor dip in form, Swiatek exhibited signs of rejuvenation on the Parisian clay, the stage where she has held sway since her teenage triumph in 2020. Alas, her game abandoned her in the deciding set, leading to her third French Open defeat2.
Sabalenka has now triumphed in their last two meetings and leads the head-to-head 5-winning streak highlights her consistency and strong form in major tournaments. Prior to her recent losses in the Australian and French Open finals, she had not lost back-to-back Grand Slam finals since entering her current streak of major finals1.
Looking ahead, Sabalenka will be the strong favorite to claim the title as she prepares to square off against either Gauff, whom she lost to in the 2023 US Open final, or world No. 361 Boisson3.
Earlier in the day, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori of Italy clinched the mixed doubles crown, defeating Americans Taylor Townsend and Evan King 6-4, 6-2. The victorious duo had earlier won the US Open mixed doubles title in 20243.
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"With her victory over Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka demonstrated her prowess on the tennis court, cruising through to the French Open Final."
"Preparing for her next match, Sabalenka aims to add a sports title in tennis to her Grand Slam finals record."
