Aryna Sabalenka Overtakes Iga Swiatek: The Queen's Crown Falls in the French Open Semis
Tennis Queen Swiatek Overpowered by Sabalenka's mighty serve.
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link The reigning French Open champion, Iga Swiatek, meets her match in the semis. Belarusian powerhouse Aryna Sabalenka, currently holding the No. 1 ranking, victoriously ends Swiatek's titanic winning streak at Stade Roland Garros.
A decisive backhand from Sabalenka, a powerful roar, and the throne of Roland Garros' queen was no more: Reigning champion Iga Swiatek suffered a heartbreaking loss in the thrilling French Open semifinal at the hands of the dominant Sabalenka. The journey to the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen final begins anew for the mighty Sabalenka.
"Incredible isn't the word - but the job's far from done," Sabalenka declared, securing the match against Swiatek with a 7:6 (7:1), 4:6, 6:0 victory in a grueling, intense clash. "I played an almost flawless game in the third set."
Swiatek had celebrated a 2020 triumph and continued her streak by triumphing three times consecutively on the scenic Bois de Boulogne. The 24-year-old could have made history by becoming the first player in the "Open Era" to secure four consecutive titles. Swiatek experienced her first defeat at a Grand Slam tournament in 26 consecutive matches during the event. She remains tied with Chris Evert's record of 29 consecutive victories. For Swiatek, this was only her third loss in 43 matches at the French Open.
This marks the pair's 13th encounter, a battle between the two tennis titans of the recent era. The 27-year-old Sabalenka, three years Swiatek's senior, emerges victorious for the fifth time. These two have not previously met in a Grand Slam final. Their only prior confrontation at a major tournament was won by Swiatek in the 2022 US Open semifinals.
With the roof closed on Court Philippe Chatrier, Sabalenka seized a commanding 3:0 and 4:1 lead, demolishing any opportunity for Swiatek, who knew no respite beneath the power of Sabalenka's strikes. The crowd, predominantly backing the Polish player, cheered Swiatek as she fought back, taking a 5:4 lead in a dramatic first set following a barrage of service breaks. Sabalenka reclaimed the upper hand during the subsequent tiebreak.
The second set witnessed both players battling through strong returns. Swiatek clinched the initial advantage to lead 3:1, and she maintained her lead, taking the set. Although the game remained close, the end proved swift and agonizing for Swiatek: Sabalenka unleashed her frustration in the third set, overwhelming the still-reigning monarch - the 24:6 points in the deciding set exemplified the reversal of fortune.
[Source: ntv.de, tno/sid]
- Sports
- Tennis
- French Open
Additional Insights:
- Sabalenka, a prolific Belarusian tennis player born on May 5, 1998, in Minsk, developed her competitive spirit from her father, a former professional ice hockey player who introduced her to tennis[1][3]
- A force to be reckoned with on the court, Sabalenka has collected three Grand Slam singles titles: consecutive Australian Opens in 2023 and 2024, and the 2024 U.S. Open[4][5]. However, the 2023 French Open did not see her achieve a milestone victory in the enrichment data available. Instead, she advanced to the semifinals of the 2025 French Open, defeating Iga Świątek[3][4]
- Sabalenka also boasts a 2021 Australian Open doubles triumph alongside partner Elise Mertens[5]
Sabalenka's dominant performance at the French Open continues to make waves in the world of sports and tennis, as she overcame Iga Swiatek in the semifinals. This victory marks Sabalenka's fifth win against Swiatek in their 13 encounters, and marks the beginning of her journey towards the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen final at Roland Garros.
