PARIS — Iga Swiatek’s bid for a document fourth consecutive French Open championship might want to undergo No. 1-ranked Aryna Sabalenka after each delivered straight-set victories Tuesday to arrange a showdown within the semifinals.
Swiatek defeated Elina Svitolina 6-1, 7-5 within the quarterfinals for a twenty sixth consecutive win at Roland-Garros, the place the longest unbeaten run by a lady is 29 matches by seven-time event champion Chris Evert.
Swiatek is attempting for her fifth trophy general on the purple clay in Paris, the place she has received 4 of the previous 5.
Sabalenka ousted 2024 Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen 7-6 (3), 6-3 to achieve the semifinals in Paris for the second time. All three of Sabalenka’s Grand Slam titles got here on laborious courts – two on the Australian Open and one on the U.S. Open.
The loss ended a run of 10 consecutive match wins for Zheng at Roland Garros, courting to final summer time’s Olympic Video games.
Having been looking for her greatest kind in current months and after a troublesome three-setter in her earlier match, Swiatek was in complete management in the beginning towards No. 13 seed Svitolina. Swiatek needed to work more durable within the second set, dropping her serve within the fourth recreation after hitting two straight unforced errors into the web.
However Swiatek broke again instantly and took benefit of Svitolina’s poor service recreation to interrupt once more with a thunderous forehand return and transfer up 6-5. Swiatek sealed the win with an ace.
Swiatek has received 5 of the six matches she has performed on clay towards Sabalenka.
“The Madrid ultimate towards her is among the greatest and most fun finals that I’ve performed,” mentioned Swiatek, who has not received a title or reached a ultimate since her victory at Roland-Garros final 12 months. “It’s at all times a problem towards Aryna.”
Sabalenka is attempting to achieve her sixth Grand Slam ultimate, and first at Roland-Garros.
“I am tremendous excited to go on the market and to battle and to do every part I must get the win,” Sabalenka mentioned.
She overcame a shaky begin and windy circumstances to enhance her document towards Zheng to 7-1.
Sabalenka had misplaced their most up-to-date contest – on the Italian Open on clay. However she mentioned that setback was factor in the midst of an already exhausting season.
“I used to be truly glad I misplaced that match, as a result of I wanted somewhat break earlier than Roland-Garros,” mentioned Sabalenka, who hasn’t dropped a set on this event. “In the present day, I used to be simply extra recent. I used to be able to battle, I used to be prepared to go away every part I had on court docket to get this win.
“I believe we’re all right here for one purpose. Everybody desires that lovely trophy. I am glad I’ve one other alternative, one other semifinal to do higher than final time.”
Data from the Related Press and Reuters was used on this report.