WTA No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka finally broke through and reached her first career Roland Garros final after a gripping semifinal clash against Poland’s Iga Świątek on Court Philippe-Chatrier. In this battle of power and grit, the defending champion Iga Swiatek returned to the contest after losing the first set but couldn’t hold off the world No. 1 in the decider, eventually falling 6-0 in the final set.
Sabalenka overpowered the Polish star by 7(7)-6(1), 4-6, 6-0 becoming the first woman to bagel Swiatek at Philppe Chatrier. Following her win, the Belarusian will now face Coco Gauff in the final of the 2025 French Open.
Sabalenka delivered a commanding performance to overcome Iga Swiątek in their Roland Garros semifinal showdown. The first set saw wild momentum swings, culminating in a dominant 7-1 tiebreak win for Sabalenka. Though Swiatek bounced back with a flawless second set, Sabalenka stormed ahead in the decider, breaking early and holding for a 3-0 lead. Her booming groundstrokes echoed through Court Philippe-Chatrier, showcasing a rise in form that overpowered the four-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek.
Though both players landed 57% of their first serves, Sabalenka proved far more effective, winning 71% of those points compared to Swiątek’s 53%. Her ability to back up her second serve (46% win rate) while pressuring Swiatek’s weaker second delivery (just 40%) gave her the edge in pressure moments.
Sabalenka was determined on break points, converting 8 of 10 chances, while Swiątek could only convert 6 of 11. The WTA No. 1 also dominated in total points won (97 to 73), and her aggressive returning saw her win 43 receiving points. Sabalenka’s mental strength showed in the clutch moments, especially when she won the only tiebreak and won 6 games in a row.
With 17 games won to Świątek’s 12, Sabalenka’s all-around consistency and power game secured her a well-deserved place in the French Open final.
Post-victory, Sabalenka said, “It was tricky to serve with the roof closed, and was different compared to [our] previous matches, but I’m glad that both of us adjusted pretty well, and we were able to show such high-level match.”
Entering Thursday’s clash, Iga Swiątek led their rivalry 8-4, including a Grand Slam win at the 2022 US Open, where Sabalenka had squandered a lead. But this time, Sabalenka didn’t blink. Channeling past heartbreak, she broke her Polish opponent at love, then held at love in just 90 seconds. A final break sealed a stunning 6-0 decider and a spot in the final.
“Third set, oh my God,I mean, win against Iga 6-0 on clay, it’s like something out of mind. I’m just super happy right now. But, once again, the job is not done yet. I’ll make sure that I bring my best tennis and best fighting spirit on Saturday,” she said in an interview post-match.
Aryna Sabalenka showcased an indomitable spirit en route 2025 French Open finals. Given the fierce competitor she is, Sabalenka would look to avenge her 2025 AO heartbreak with a win over Coco Gauff in the finals. But she would be wary of the challenge that lies ahead!
