As the 2025 French Open charges toward its climactic stages, Aryna Sabalenka has ignited a firestorm of intrigue with a bold assertion that has the tennis world buzzing. The Belarusian powerhouse, ranked world No. 3, delivered a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory over Great Britain’s Katie Boulter in the Roland Garros quarterfinals, securing her place in the semifinals. But it was her post-match comments that stole the spotlight, as she declared, “I never played anyone more powerful than me,” even when pressed about facing tennis legend Serena Williams in their 2021 Australian Open encounter. Sabalenka’s confidence, paired with her relentless on-court dominance, has raised the question: is she truly the most powerful force in women’s tennis today?
Sabalenka’s performance against Boulter was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Her ferocious groundstrokes and thunderous serves overwhelmed the 28-year-old Brit, who struggled to counter Sabalenka’s raw power on the Parisian clay. The match, which lasted just 82 minutes, saw Sabalenka fire 12 aces and 28 winners, showcasing the physicality that has become her trademark. “I’m just trying to play my game, focusing on my shots, on my movement,” Sabalenka said, emphasizing her ability to harness her strength with precision. “I’m super happy with the level I played today, and I hope I can keep it up.” Her victory marked her seventh consecutive semifinal appearance at a Grand Slam, a testament to her consistency and growing mastery on all surfaces.
The Belarusian’s provocative claim about her unmatched power came during a press conference when a reporter asked if she had ever faced a player more powerful than herself, specifically referencing her 2021 fourth-round loss to Serena Williams. Sabalenka, unfazed, doubled down: “No, I don’t think so. In that match, I don’t think Serena overpowered me.” She elaborated, “Power is not really threatening to me. I like to play against players who hit hard because I can also hit the ball pretty hard.” Her remarks, shared widely across social media platforms, sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some praising her confidence and others questioning whether she was underestimating Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion whose power redefined the women’s game.
Sabalenka’s journey at Roland Garros has been a blend of dominance and resilience. After dropping just one set en route to the semifinals, she has solidified her status as a title favorite. Her path included victories over Anna Kalinskaya, Erika Andreeva, and Ons Jabeur, with her adaptability on clay—a surface once considered her weakest—evident in her improved movement and spin-heavy shots. “I feel like I’m getting better every match,” Sabalenka noted, crediting her work with new coach Gavin MacMillan for her recent surge. Her 2025 season, which includes titles at the Australian Open and Indian Wells, has seen her amass a 34-8 win-loss record, making her a formidable opponent as she eyes a second French Open title, having won in 2023.
The semifinal clash pits Sabalenka against top seed Iga Swiatek, a rematch of last year’s thrilling final. Swiatek, the four-time Roland Garros champion, leads their head-to-head 8-3, but Sabalenka’s recent victories, including a straight-sets win in Madrid, suggest the gap is narrowing. “Iga is an unbelievable player, and it’s always a challenge,” Sabalenka said, relishing the opportunity. “But I’m ready to fight for every point.” The matchup promises a clash of styles, with Swiatek’s defensive prowess and clay-court finesse facing Sabalenka’s unrelenting power. “She’s so powerful, it’s like you have to be ready for a missile coming at you,” one analyst commented, highlighting the challenge awaiting Swiatek.
Sabalenka’s bold statement also carries a deeper significance, reflecting her evolution from a player once criticized for emotional volatility to one brimming with self-assurance. Her ability to channel her power into consistent results has been key, with her serve—described as “a weapon of mass destruction”—averaging 115 mph in the tournament. Off the court, her candid personality and playful demeanor, including her lighthearted interactions with fans, have endeared her to the Roland Garros crowd. “I love the energy here; it pushes me to play my best,” she said, smiling as she recalled signing autographs after her match.
As Sabalenka prepares for her semifinal showdown on June 4, 2025, her claim of unmatched power has set the stage for a dramatic narrative. Whether she can back up her words against Swiatek and potentially claim the title remains to be seen, but her confidence and form suggest she’s a force to be reckoned with. With the tennis world watching, Sabalenka’s blend of power, poise, and personality has made her not just a contender but a catalyst for one of the most compelling stories at this year’s French Open.
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