Aryna Sabalenka has ended Iga Swiatek’s remarkable reign on clay, defeating the world No. 1 in a gripping three-set battle to reach her first French Open final. Sabalenka triumphed 7-6 (1), 4-6, 6-0 in a match that showcased her growth as a player, both mentally and technically, as she overcame the four-time French Open champion. The victory marks a pivotal moment in Sabalenka’s career, signaling her arrival as a true contender on Roland Garros’ demanding clay courts.
Sabalenka entered the semi-final with confidence borne from years of development, having worked hard to become a more complete player with improved mental toughness. This readiness was evident throughout the intense encounter with Swiatek, a fierce rival who had dominated the clay season with an incredible 26-match winning streak at the tournament and a bid for a fourth consecutive title. Sabalenka held her nerve in a tense first-set tiebreak and rebounded from losing the second set to dominate the final set without conceding a game, a testament to her resilience and strategic command.
In the other semi-final, Coco Gauff dismantled local wildcard Loïs Boisson 6-1, 6-2 to book her place in the French Open final. Gauff, seeded No. 2, maintained her consistency during the clay-court season, having already reached finals in Madrid and Rome. Boisson, ranked No. 361 and competing thanks to a wildcard, had captured the hearts of the French crowd with a fairy-tale run to the semi-finals, which included stunning victories over world No. 3 Jessica Pegula and No. 6 Mirra Andreeva. Despite Boisson’s spirited performances, Gauff’s superior experience and composure proved decisive.
Boisson reflected on her journey with positivity despite the heavy defeat, acknowledging the challenge Gauff posed while remaining proud of her own performance. For Gauff, this appearance marks her second French Open final and her third major final overall, further cementing her status as one of the sport’s brightest young stars.
The Sabalenka-Swiatek showdown was especially significant given the relatively few grand slam encounters between the two, despite their fierce rivalry over recent years. This match underscored the evolution of both players: Swiatek, known for her all-court game and dominance on clay, was attempting to reclaim her peak form after a tough period, while Sabalenka has transformed from a powerful but one-dimensional hitter into a sophisticated and strategic competitor.
The match unfolded with swings in momentum. Sabalenka started strong, exploiting Swiatek’s weakened serve early on, yet her own serve faltered under pressure. Despite this, Sabalenka’s mental composure allowed her to edge out the first set in the tiebreak. Swiatek responded with a commanding second set, playing some of her best attacking tennis, but Sabalenka’s resilience shone through in the final set where she completely took control, delivering a flawless performance.
Sabalenka herself admitted surprise at the ease with which she won the third set, attributing it to finding her rhythm and putting relentless pressure on Swiatek’s serve. This mental and tactical maturity highlights the transformation that has elevated Sabalenka to the very top of the game.
Meanwhile, the French crowd’s enthusiasm was palpable throughout the tournament, especially rallying behind Boisson in her improbable run. However, their support was met with a cool reception for Gauff, who faced some boos when introduced. Gauff’s ability to block out the distractions and maintain focus on court was key to her dominant performance.
Looking ahead to the final, Sabalenka emphasized her readiness to fight for the title, determined to bring her best tennis and continue her journey toward the championship. The upcoming clash between Sabalenka and Gauff promises to be a compelling battle between the top two seeds, each bringing contrasting styles and immense talent to the Roland Garros showpiece.
This French Open has thus marked a shift in women’s tennis on clay, with Sabalenka ending an era and Gauff continuing her rise. Both players have showcased why they are among the sport’s elite, setting the stage for an electrifying final that will captivate tennis fans worldwide.
