In a seismic showdown at Roland Garros, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka delivered a performance for the ages, toppling four-time French Open champion Iga Świątek 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-0 in the 2025 women’s semifinals to secure her first-ever final appearance at the clay-court Grand Slam. The Belarusian’s commanding third-set bagel—a flawless 6-0 rout—ended Świątek’s remarkable 26-match winning streak at Roland Garros, halting her quest for a historic fourth consecutive title. Sabalenka now awaits world No. 2 Coco Gauff in Saturday’s final, a rematch of their 2023 US Open championship clash, as she chases her fourth Grand Slam title and her first on clay.
The match, played under a closed roof due to Paris’s rainy weather, was a rollercoaster of momentum swings that showcased both players’ brilliance. Sabalenka stormed to a 3-0 lead in the first set, her thunderous groundstrokes and aggressive returning overwhelming Świątek’s serve. The Pole, known as the “Queen of Clay,” fought back, leveling the set at 4-4 by absorbing Sabalenka’s pace and extending rallies. “I lost my intensity a bit,” Świątek admitted, reflecting on her struggle to maintain consistency. Despite breaking Sabalenka to lead 5-4, Świątek couldn’t close out the set, and Sabalenka’s relentless pressure culminated in a dominant 7-1 tiebreak, sealed with an ace. “It was a true battle,” Sabalenka said. “I have no idea how I was able to get back into that first set.”
The second set saw Świątek rediscover her rhythm, breaking early with a delicate half-volley drop shot and a pinpoint forehand slice to lead 3-1. Her movement sharpened, her trainers squeaking across Court Philippe-Chatrier as she scrambled to counter Sabalenka’s power. Holding serve for 5-3 with a net exchange, Świątek forced a decider, capitalizing on three consecutive breaks to level the match. “Iga is the toughest opponent, especially at Roland Garros,” Sabalenka acknowledged, praising her rival’s resilience. Yet, the third set was a masterclass in Sabalenka’s evolution. Once known for emotional volatility, the 27-year-old displayed steely composure, committing zero unforced errors while hammering 19 winners in a 22-minute demolition. “I’m proud I managed to get this win,” she said, thrilled to reach her sixth Grand Slam final and fifth in her last seven majors.
Sabalenka’s journey to this moment reflects years of refining her game. Previously reliant on raw power, she has developed versatility, incorporating drop shots and heavy topspin to thrive on clay. Her 20-3 clay-court record over the past year, including a Madrid title, underscores her growth. “It’s going to mean everything to me and my team,” Sabalenka said of a potential Roland Garros crown. “I’ve been told clay is not my thing, but I feel really comfortable on this surface now.” Her 40th main-draw win of 2025, a tour-leading tally, cements her as the WTA’s dominant force, having overtaken Świątek’s No. 1 ranking in October 2024.
Świątek, now ranked No. 5 after a title-less 2025, faced a turbulent clay season, with early exits in Stuttgart and Rome. Her comeback from a set down against Elena Rybakina in the fourth round hinted at a revival, but Sabalenka’s third-set onslaught exposed vulnerabilities. “She didn’t doubt. She just went for it,” Świątek said, crediting Sabalenka’s aggression. With a 40-3 Roland Garros record, Świątek remains a clay-court titan, but this loss marks her first defeat in Paris since 2021. “I love playing here,” she said, vowing to return stronger.
The final against Gauff, who dispatched French wildcard Lois Boisson 6-1, 6-2, promises a blockbuster. Sabalenka and Gauff are deadlocked at 5-5 in their head-to-head, with Gauff winning their 2023 US Open final. “I have to fight and bring my best tennis,” Sabalenka said, anticipating a grueling battle. Gauff, reflecting on her growth since her 2022 French Open final loss to Świątek, said, “I was super nervous going into that final. Obviously here I have a lot more confidence.” The matchup, only the second No. 1 vs. No. 2 women’s final at Roland Garros in 30 years, guarantees a first-time champion.
Sabalenka’s triumph also highlights her personal growth. Once distant from Świątek, she initiated a thaw in their rivalry with a TikTok collaboration at the 2024 WTA Finals. “I’m ready to play against whoever’s going to make me run and work,” she said, embracing the challenge. As she prepares for Saturday, Sabalenka’s blend of power, precision, and newfound poise positions her to claim the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen and etch her name alongside the clay-court greats she’s long admired.
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