Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and Belarusian powerhouse, roared into the 2025 French Open semi-finals with a commanding 7-6(7-3), 6-3 victory over China’s Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, extending her remarkable Grand Slam record. The win, a hard-fought revenge mission after Zheng’s upset in Rome, marked Sabalenka’s 10th consecutive major quarter-final appearance and her 11th semi-final since 2020, a feat unmatched by any player in that span. On the gusty clay of Court Philippe-Chatrier, Sabalenka’s blend of raw power, newfound finesse, and unshakable resolve propelled her past a formidable opponent, setting up a blockbuster showdown with three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek. As Roland Garros buzzes with anticipation, Sabalenka’s latest triumph cements her as a leading contender for her first Paris title.
The quarter-final clash was a high-octane rematch of their 2024 Australian Open final, where Sabalenka had prevailed, but Zheng’s 6-4, 6-3 victory in the Italian Open had tilted their rivalry. “It’s always tough matches against her,” Sabalenka said of Zheng, the No. 8 seed whose aggressive baseline game and Olympic gold on these same courts made her a dangerous foe. “She’s a great player. Of course, I expect a great battle, and I want to get my revenge.” Sabalenka delivered on that promise, navigating a tricky first set where she trailed 2-4 after Zheng broke her serve with blistering forehands. “That was a true battle—I have no idea how I was able to get back into that first set,” she admitted, crediting her resilience for forcing a tiebreak, which she dominated with a 7-3 scoreline after Zheng’s forehand sailed long.
Sabalenka’s evolution as a player was on full display. Known for her thunderous groundstrokes, she’s added variety with drop shots and net approaches, a tactical shift that kept Zheng off balance. “I tried to change the rhythm against her,” Sabalenka explained, a strategy that led to 31 unforced errors from Zheng compared to her own 18. The second set saw both players trade breaks, with Zheng leveling at 3-3 with a stunning drop volley, but Sabalenka’s relentless pressure prevailed. Breaking for 4-3, she capitalized on Zheng’s faltering serve, sealing the match in 1 hour and 53 minutes with a barrage of winners. Her victory, watched by a roaring Parisian crowd, marked her second Roland Garros semi-final, a milestone that underscores her consistency across all surfaces.
Sabalenka’s path to the quarter-finals was a masterclass in dominance, dropping just 10 games across her first three matches against Kamilla Rakhimova, Jil Teichmann, and Olga Danilovic. A tougher fourth-round battle against Amanda Anisimova tested her resolve, but her 6-4, 6-4 win showcased her ability to thrive under pressure. “I’m really happy that it is working in matches and it has given me lots of benefits,” she said of her tactical growth, crediting her team for refining her game. Her 40-week reign as world No. 1, bolstered by three Grand Slam titles—including the 2024 Australian Open and US Open—reflects a player at the peak of her powers, with a 42-11 record in 2025 and a perfect 7-0 against top-10 players at majors.
Zheng, despite the loss, showed her mettle. Fresh off a three-set victory over Liudmila Samsonova, the 22-year-old drew on her Olympic triumph on Chatrier. “I still remember the Olympic Games moment on court,” she said, a mindset that fueled her fight, though her 31 unforced errors proved costly. Her rise, marked by a first Roland Garros quarter-final, signals her as a future threat, but Sabalenka’s experience and adaptability were the difference.
Now, Sabalenka faces Swiatek, who advanced with a 6-1, 7-5 win over Elina Svitolina. Their rivalry, with Swiatek leading 8-4, is one of tennis’ fiercest, highlighted by Swiatek’s 2022 US Open semi-final win. “Aryna has a game for every surface, so I need to focus on myself, do the work, be brave in my shots and just go for it,” Swiatek said, bracing for the challenge. Sabalenka, undaunted, sees the semi-final as a chance to claim her first French Open crown and solidify her dominance. “It’s going to be a great match, and I’m ready for it,” she declared, her confidence palpable. As Roland Garros braces for this seismic clash, Sabalenka’s stunning Grand Slam run continues to rewrite the record books, one ferocious forehand at a time.
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