Courtesy: Google
Tennis fans will be witnessing the clash of tennis titans as Aryna Sabalenka is set to clash against Iga Swiatek in the semi-final match in the ongoing French Open. The 27-year-old Belarusian has been consistent throughout the seasons and is leading with 6407 ranking points in the world rankings. Meanwhile, defending French Open champion Iga Swiatek showed her dominance with 6-1, 7-5 win over Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, reaching her fourth consecutive semi-final match. Sabalenka advanced to the semi-finals with a straight sets victory over Zheng Qinwen. Battling through a slow start, she secured a 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 win, extending her head-to-head record against the Olympic champion to 7-1.
Swiatek, a three-time Roland Garros champion, needed one hour and 41 minutes to claim her fourth victory in five career matchups against Svitolina, who was aiming for her fourth Grand Slam semi-final. Since April 2022, the World No. 1 ranking has been shared exclusively between these two player, and now, Paris sets the stage for the next chapter of their growing rivalry. Together, both Swiatek and Sabalenka held the top spot for a combined 166 weeks, with Swiatek accounting for 125 weeks and Sabalenka marking her 41st week at No. 1.
I love tough challenges: Aryna Sabalenka on reaching semi-finals against Swiatek
Post quarter-final win over Qinwen Zheng, Aryna Sabalenka shared her excitement about the upcoming clash with the former World No. 1, emphasising their strengthened relationship and the challenge of competing against such a strong rival. “I love tough challenges. I think it’s in these kinds of matches that you improve as a player and become much stronger. I love these challenges, honestly. I’m always excited to face someone strong, someone who can push me.”
Sabalenka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, has yet to lose a set at Roland Garros this year. Meanwhile, Swiatek's win in the recent match is a milestone in itself. She reached the 100th WTA-level on the clay in just 114 matches, nearing the legends like Chris Evert, Margaret Court, and Monica Seles.
Meanwhile, the French Open semi-final match between Sabalenka and Swiatek will be played on June 5, and it will be the clash of world-class talents.
