Aryna Sabalenka ends Iga Swiatek's reign at the French Open

In Paris, Aryna Sabalenka faced Iga Swiatek in a highly anticipated semi-final match at the French Open on June 5, 2025. Swiatek, the four-time champion and defending titleholder, was looking to continue her dominance but fell short against Sabalenka, who displayed top-level performance throughout the contest. The match was intense, characterized by a total of eleven breaks of serve, highlighting the competitiveness of both players. Sabalenka initially took control by winning the first set tiebreak decisively. In the second set, although Swiatek rallied back to win, the final set showcased Sabalenka’s dominance as she won 6-0 in a flurry of points that left Swiatek struggling. Sabalenka's ability to maintain her focus and execute aggressive plays was crucial in turning the tide, particularly throughout the final set, where she won 19 of the last 21 points. Following this significant victory, Sabalenka expressed pride in her performance and acknowledged the challenge ahead in the final against Coco Gauff. She emphasized the importance of maintaining this level of play to secure the title. The win for Sabalenka marked a significant moment in the tournament as Iga Swiatek's reign as champion ended, which was a notable change in the landscape of women’s tennis at this grand slam event. With her status as world number one, Sabalenka has been a formidable competitor, and this match further solidified her reputation as a potential champion. As the tournament proceeds, all eyes will be on the upcoming final as Sabalenka looks to capture her first French Open title. Her journey through this semi-final triumph projects confidence and readiness, raising the stakes as she prepares for the challenge posed by Gauff, who has also been impressive in her run.