The 2025 French Open is set to deliver a thrilling fourth-round clash as Elena Rybakina, the powerful Kazakhstani star, prepares to face defending champion Iga Swiatek on the iconic clay courts of Roland Garros. Fresh off a commanding 6-2, 6-2 victory over former champion Jelena Ostapenko, Rybakina exudes confidence, issuing a bold statement to Swiatek: “We played so many times, so I know what to do.” This highly anticipated matchup, scheduled for Sunday, June 1, promises to be a blockbuster, pitting Rybakina’s aggressive, flat-hitting style against Swiatek’s relentless clay-court dominance.
Rybakina, seeded 12th, has been in scintillating form, riding a seven-match winning streak that includes her recent title at the Strasbourg International. Her performance against Ostapenko showcased her devastating power and precision, breaking the 2017 French Open champion’s serve five times in a swift 75-minute rout. This victory marks Rybakina’s third appearance in the Roland Garros fourth round, a testament to her growing prowess on clay, a surface where she has historically challenged Swiatek. Their head-to-head record stands at an even 4-4, but Rybakina holds a perfect 2-0 edge on clay, including a win in Stuttgart’s indoor clay in 2024 and a retirement victory in Rome in 2023. “It’s tough to play against Iga on clay,” Rybakina acknowledged. “She spins the ball really well, and she has unbelievable intensity on the court. So, it is not easy.”
Swiatek, the fifth seed and four-time Roland Garros champion, is chasing a historic fourth consecutive title in Paris, a feat not accomplished by a woman in over a century. Her 24-match winning streak at the tournament underscores her status as a clay-court titan, with a 38-2 record at Roland Garros that ties Chris Evert’s Open Era mark. Yet, Swiatek’s path to the fourth round has not been without challenges. Her 6-2, 7-5 win over Jaqueline Cristian showed moments of vulnerability, particularly in a hard-fought second set. Swiatek’s press conference revealed a lighter side when asked about her preference between facing Ostapenko or Rybakina. “Am I a good liar?” she quipped, laughing. “Let’s say it doesn’t matter, really. Oh my god, I couldn’t play poker!” Her candid admission hinted at the daunting prospect of facing Rybakina, who has consistently troubled her with her powerful serve and flat groundstrokes.
The rivalry between Rybakina and Swiatek is one of the most compelling on the WTA Tour. Their eight previous encounters have been evenly split, with Rybakina’s victories often coming through her ability to neutralize Swiatek’s spin-heavy game with clean, penetrating shots. “I feel like Stuttgart is a special tournament because it’s indoor, and the clay is also different,” Rybakina noted, cautious not to assume past successes guarantee a win in Paris. “In Rome, it was another condition, so I cannot take it as everything is the same.” Her comments reflect a strategic mindset, focusing on her own game plan while respecting Swiatek’s clay-court mastery.
Rybakina’s resurgence comes after a challenging year that saw her ranking slip from a career-high No. 3 to No. 11. Health issues and inconsistent results tested her resilience, but her recent title in Strasbourg and dominant Roland Garros run signal a return to form. Her powerful serve and ability to dictate points make her a formidable opponent, particularly on clay, where her 2021 Roland Garros quarterfinal and recent titles in Bucharest and Strasbourg highlight her adaptability. Swiatek, meanwhile, has faced her own struggles in 2025, failing to reach a WTA Tour final since her 2024 Roland Garros triumph. Her drop to No. 5 in the rankings adds intrigue to this matchup, as she battles to reclaim her dominance.
As the tennis world awaits this electrifying showdown, the stakes are high. A win for Rybakina could propel her toward a deep run in Paris, potentially her third quarterfinal appearance at the tournament. For Swiatek, a victory would keep her historic four-peat dream alive and bolster her confidence after a turbulent season. “Of course, she’s very comfortable on these courts,” Rybakina said of Swiatek. “But I will try to focus on myself mostly.” With both players bringing their best to Court Suzanne Lenglen, this clash promises to be a defining moment in the 2025 French Open, where one star’s resolve will be tested against another’s ambition.
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