World number one Aryna Sabalenka, yesterday moved a step closer to a maiden French Open title by taking out four-time champion Iga Swiatek in a blockbuster semi-final yesterday.
Sabalenka will meet second seed Coco Gauff in Saturday’s showpiece after the American ruthlessly ended French wildcard Lois Boisson’s incredible run.
Belarus’ Sabalenka earned a 7-6 (7-1) 4-6 6-0 victory to end fifth seed Swiatek’s 26-match winning run at the tournament.
After a slow start on the Roland Garros clay, Poland’s Swiatek fought back to level but Sabalenka dominated a 22-minute deciding set.
Sabalenka, whose three Grand Slam titles have all come on hard courts, has never reached the Paris final before.
“It feels incredible but the job is not done yet. I’m thrilled with my performance,” the 27-year-old said.
“Iga is the toughest opponent, especially at Roland Garros, I’m proud I managed to get this win.”
Gauff, runner-up to Swiatek in 2022, won 6-1 6-2 against world number 361 Boisson, who was appearing in her first Grand Slam main draw.
This was the potential match that everyone had their eye on when the French Open draw was made: the ‘Queen of Clay’ against the world number one in the crunch stages.
Swiatek and Sabalenka have claimed six of the past 10 majors between them and dominated the WTA Tour over the past three years.
But with Swiatek dropping to fifth in the world after a turbulent season, it was Sabalenka who came into Roland Garros as the favourite.
The magnitude of the eagerly-anticipated encounter appeared to affect both players in an edgy opening set.
With the roof closed because of the wet weather in Paris, Sabalenka initially settled quicker in the heavier conditions that suit her game.
The pace of Sabalenka’s returning was too hot for Swiatek and allowed the top seed to quickly move a double break ahead.
Swiatek took a step back in her baseline position to better absorb the pace and, after being a point away from going 5-1 behind, battled back.