World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka powered past four-time champion Iga Swiatek in a gripping French Open semifinal, securing her place in her first Roland Garros final. 

The Belarusian star will face second seed Coco Gauff on Saturday after a commanding 7-6 (7-1), 4-6, 6-0 victory that halted Swiatek’s 26-match winning streak at the tournament.

The match on the Parisian clay saw Sabalenka struggle early as Swiatek, ranked fifth, clawed back to force a deciding set. However, Sabalenka unleashed a relentless performance in the third, dominating the 22-minute set to clinch the win. 

Known for her three Grand Slam titles on hard courts, the 27-year-old is now one step away from her first clay-court major.

“It’s an incredible feeling, but there’s still work to do,” Sabalenka said. “Iga is the toughest challenge, especially here at Roland Garros. I’m proud to have pulled through.”

In the other semifinal, Coco Gauff, the 2022 runner-up to Swiatek, delivered a masterclass to end the remarkable run of French wildcard Lois Boisson, ranked world No. 361. Gauff’s 6-1, 6-2 victory was clinical, halting Boisson’s fairytale debut in a Grand Slam main draw.

Sabalenka’s triumph over Swiatek, a clay-court titan, showcased her adaptability and power, setting up an eagerly awaited final against Gauff, who has been in scintillating form. 

The American’s swift dispatch of Boisson underlines her readiness to challenge for the title she narrowly missed three years ago.

This semifinal clash highlighted the intensity of women’s tennis at Roland Garros, with Sabalenka’s aggressive play overcoming Swiatek’s resilience. 

As she prepares for her maiden French Open final, Sabalenka carries the momentum of a career-defining win, while Gauff’s blend of precision and composure promises a thrilling showdown. 

The stage is set for a blockbuster final, with both players vying to etch their names into French Open history.

Source: BBC

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