The 2025 French Open has set the stage for a seismic clash as world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka prepares to face four-time champion Iga Swiatek in a highly anticipated women’s semifinal on Court Philippe-Chatrier. This matchup, pitting the WTA’s top-ranked player against the reigning “Queen of Clay,” marks their first encounter at Roland Garros and only their second at a Grand Slam. With a storied rivalry that has defined women’s tennis over the past three years, both players have shared bold and introspective comments ahead of their Thursday showdown, revealing the intensity and mutual respect that fuel their competition. As Paris buzzes with anticipation, this semifinal promises to be a defining moment in their era-defining rivalry.
Sabalenka, the 27-year-old Belarusian, enters the semifinal on a tear, having not dropped a set in her five matches at Roland Garros. Her 7-6(3), 6-3 quarterfinal victory over Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng showcased her explosive power and growing tactical versatility. Despite a shaky start and windy conditions, Sabalenka’s 25 aces and commanding baseline play overwhelmed Zheng, who committed 31 unforced errors. “That was a true battle—I have no idea how I was able to get back into that first set,” Sabalenka said, reflecting on her resilience. “I was ready to leave everything I have on court to win.” Her confidence is palpable as she eyes her first French Open final, a milestone that would add to her three Grand Slam titles—two Australian Opens and a US Open. Sabalenka’s recent clay-court success, including a 2025 Madrid title, has bolstered her belief that she can challenge Swiatek on her favorite surface. “It’s always been great battles against her, especially on clay, when she has a bit extra time,” Sabalenka noted. “Physically, she’s really, really strong, she’s moving really well, so I think that’s the biggest challenge is to work for every point. I’m ready to fight and I’m ready to do everything that I have to do to get the win.”
Swiatek, the 24-year-old Pole, has been a juggernaut at Roland Garros, boasting a 26-match winning streak and four titles in the past five years. Her 6-1, 7-5 quarterfinal win over Elina Svitolina was a testament to her clay-court prowess, though it required grit to overcome a spirited second-set challenge. Swiatek’s fourth-round comeback against Elena Rybakina, where she battled back from a 6-1, 2-0 deficit, marked a turning point in her tournament. “I wanted to have a match like that,” Swiatek said. “I think I needed that kind of win to feel these feelings that I’m able to win under pressure, and even if it’s not going the right way, still turn the match around to win it.” Despite a lackluster clay season by her standards—no titles and an early exit in Rome—Swiatek has found her rhythm in Paris. She leads their head-to-head 8-4 overall and 5-1 on clay, including a thrilling 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(7) victory in the 2024 Madrid final. Yet, she remains candid about the challenge Sabalenka poses. “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. She also acknowledged the broader impact of their rivalry, stating, “Our rivalry is pushing both of us. It’s not only about the level of tennis, it’s everything. How we work and how professional we are.”
Their rivalry, while fierce on the court, has evolved off it. Once marked by limited communication, their relationship has warmed, with joint practice sessions before the tournament and a TikTok collaboration last fall signaling a thaw. “Before, there wasn’t any communication or practices with her,” Sabalenka shared. “But now we get along better. We practice more often, and we know each other quite well.” Swiatek echoed this sentiment, noting, “It’s great always to practice with Aryna. She gives a great rhythm and the practice will have quality.” Yet, she downplayed the significance of their pre-tournament session, adding, “It was two weeks ago… I think a lot has changed since then.” Their growing camaraderie adds a layer of intrigue, as both players balance mutual respect with a fierce desire to win.
Sabalenka’s game has evolved beyond her trademark power. She’s incorporated drop shots and improved her emotional control, making her a more complete player. “Over the years my game has evolved, I’m ready to play against whoever is going to make me run and work for the point,” she said, drawing parallels to her 2021 match against Serena Williams. Swiatek, meanwhile, relies on her heavy topspin and relentless movement, which thrive on the slower clay. Former world No. 9 Andrea Petkovic called the matchup “the blockbuster of the entire tournament,” emphasizing Sabalenka’s need to control the first two or three shots to dictate play. “If she is able to do that, I think it will be very hard for Iga to win,” Petkovic said.
With Swiatek’s 40-2 Roland Garros record and Sabalenka’s 39-6 season, the semifinal is a clash of titans. Swiatek’s history on Chatrier gives her an edge, but Sabalenka’s current form and hunger for a maiden French Open title make this a toss-up. As Sabalenka put it, “I like to accept tough challenges. That’s what actually motivates me and brings me more energy to keep fighting.” For Swiatek, it’s about rediscovering her peak: “I feel like on this court, I should always push until the end and fight for everything.” The tennis world awaits a match that could redefine their rivalry and crown the next French Open champion.
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