Sabalenka Ends Swiatek’s Winning Streak at Roland Garros Semifinal

PARIS, France — Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka ended Iga Swiatek‘s remarkable 26-match winning streak at Roland Garros, winning a thrilling semifinal on Thursday. Sabalenka triumphed over the fifth-seeded Swiatek with a score of 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-0, marking her entry into her first clay-court Grand Slam final.

The match lasted 2 hours and 19 minutes, with Sabalenka showcasing her exceptional skill. “I’m super happy with the win today and beating Iga at Roland Garros,” Sabalenka said. “It’s just something unbelievable, and I’m super proud of this victory.” Swiatek had previously dominated the tournament, claiming titles in 2020, 2022, and 2023.

Swiatek’s defeat means her impressive Roland Garros record now stands at 40 wins and 3 losses. In contrast, Sabalenka has solidified her position as the leading player on the WTA tour this season, achieving her 40th main-draw victory, while also claiming five semifinal victories in Grand Slam events.

For Sabalenka, the journey continues as she faces Coco Gauff in the final on Saturday. The two players are tied 5-5 in their career head-to-head matchups. “I know that the job is not done yet,” Sabalenka said. “I’ll fight and bring my best tennis to work for that title against Coco.”

This semifinal was only their second encounter at a Grand Slam, with the previous one ending in favor of Swiatek during the 2022 US Open. The contract here marks a significant shift, as Swiatek entered this year’s tournament without a clay title, a stark contrast to her previous successes.

Sabalenka’s transformation into a more strategic and mentally strong player has contributed to her success this season, as she’s evolved from an impulsive shotmaker into a player known for her restraint and strategic play. The intense atmosphere of the closed roof on a rainy Paris day only heightened the excitement as both players battled for a place in the final.

After a hard-fought first set, which ended in a tiebreak, Sabalenka seized control in the third set, winning it decisively without dropping a game. “I’m super happy I found the rhythm on my serve, and it was much easier after I figured I’m in control of my serve,” Sabalenka explained.

As anticipation builds for the final, both Sabalenka and Gauff reflect on their journey to this point. The stakes are high, but Sabalenka appears ready to claim her first French Open title.