Aryna Sabalenka battles to reach French Open semi-finals

In France, Aryna Sabalenka successfully advanced to the semi-finals of the French Open. This significant match occurred during a near two-hour contest where she faced off against China's Qinwen Zheng. Sabalenka, who is currently ranked as the World No 1, demonstrated her fighting spirit by coming back from a break down in the first set to ultimately win the match with a score of 7-6 (3) 6-3. This win marked her second time reaching the semi-finals in the past three years, emphasizing her consistency at this prestigious tournament. Sabalenka's victory over the eighth seed, Zheng, was particularly crucial as the latter had previously defeated her in a prior match in Rome. Interestingly, Sabalenka expressed relief over losing that earlier encounter, stating that it allowed her to rest and prepare herself better for the French Open. As a result, she felt fresher and more competitive during this crucial match. The Belarusian showcased her powerful play and resilience, qualities that have been instrumental in her journey towards potentially securing her first French Open title. On the other side, Iga Swiatek, who also reached the semi-finals, is actively challenging for a record-breaking fourth consecutive title at Roland Garros. Swiatek, having swept past Elina Svitolina in her previous match, expressed respect for Sabalenka’s abilities, recognizing the challenges that lie ahead in their impending semi-final clash. This match is anticipated to be a high-stakes encounter, given both players’ impressive performances throughout the tournament. As the tournament progresses, fans are eagerly awaiting the showdown between Swiatek and Sabalenka, with each player carrying the aspiration of adding to their Grand Slam titles. The match will test the mettle and skill of both athletes, underscoring the high level of competition that characterizes the French Open. The stakes are particularly high for Swiatek, as victory would allow her to establish a remarkable legacy in the sport and continue her remarkable streak at the Grand Slam event. Meanwhile, for Sabalenka, it presents an opportunity to achieve a long-sought goal of winning the coveted French Open trophy.