Aryna Sabalenka Stops Iga Swiatek and Advances to the Roland Garros Final
Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one, ended Iga Swiatek’s 26-match winning streak at the French Open, reaching the final in Paris for the first time. Sabalenka won a close semi-final with scores of 7-6 (1), 4-6 and 6-0 last Thursday.With this victory, Sabalenka prevented Swiatek from becoming the first woman to win four consecutive championships at the Grand Slam clay court tournament since the professional era in 1968.
In addition, Sabalenka has the opportunity to obtain her fourth Grand Slam title, and the first outside of hard courts, following her victories at the Australian Open and the US Open.
In Saturday’s final, Sabalenka will face Coco Gauff, number two in the world, or Frenchwoman Lois Boisson, ranked 361st.
Honestly, it’s incredible, but I understand the work isn’t done yet. I’m delighted with this victory and the atmosphere. She is the toughest opponent, especially on clay, especially at Roland Garros. It was a tough match, a complicated match, but I made it.
Aryna Sabalenka
The 27-year-old tennis player, originally from Belarus, snatched the top spot in the WTA ranking from Swiatek in October. She has reached the final in three consecutive Grand Slams, being the first woman to achieve this since Serena Williams in 2016 (Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon).
Sabalenka dominated in crucial moments, especially in the final set. With the roof of the Philippe-Chatrier court closed due to rain, the conditions favored a more direct game, and both players offered great tennis at various times. However, the difference lay in Sabalenka’s ability to force errors in Swiatek.
The third set included 12 unforced errors from Swiatek and none from Sabalenka.
It couldn’t be more perfect. I am very proud at this moment. I am glad I found my service.
Aryna Sabalenka
This defeat worsens the complicated moment for Swiatek, 24 years old and originally from Poland, who has not reached a final in any tournament since she won her third consecutive trophy, and her fifth Grand Slam title overall, twelve months ago in Paris. Recently, she dropped to number 5 in the ranking.
Her bad streak includes a surprising exit in the semifinals of the 2024 Summer Olympics, which were held at Roland-Garros; she finally obtained the bronze medal. Later in the past season, she was suspended for a month after testing positive for a banned substance; her explanation was accepted, arguing that the result was unintentional and caused by a contaminated medication.
