In the other semi-final, wildcard Lois Boisson aims to extend her remarkable performance on home ground against 2022 runner-up Coco Gauff.
SABALENKA AND SWIATEK PREPARE FOR THRILLING SHOWDOWN
Belarusian Sabalenka has emerged as a symbol of Grand Slam consistency in recent years, reaching the semi-finals in nine of her last ten major tournaments, establishing herself as a formidable rival to Swiatek’s dominance on the Paris clay.
The 27-year-old top seed has shown remarkable composure and mental strength on the biggest stages, leaving behind any previous hesitations, as her revamped serve and incredible power can overwhelm opponents on any surface.
She has harnessed these abilities throughout her journey to the last four, winning each of her matches without dropping a set, most recently defeating Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen 7-6(3) 6-3.
Swiatek, currently on a 26-match winning streak at the French Open, poses the biggest challenge yet in Sabalenka’s quest for her first Roland Garros title, looking to add to her collection of U.S. and Australian Open trophies.
Since securing the top ranking in April 2022, both players have developed a closer relationship, particularly after collaborating on a TikTok video at last year’s WTA Finals in Riyadh and training together since.
“Before, our communication and practice were minimal, but now we’re improving. We get along well and train more frequently. We know each other quite well,” Sabalenka remarked.
“We’ve had numerous thrilling contests before … I’m extremely excited to step onto the court and fight for the win.”
CLAY COURT CLASS DIFFERENCE
Fifth-seed Swiatek has a head-to-head advantage over Sabalenka at 8-4, with a notable 5-1 lead on clay, highlighting her superiority in this domain.
After overcoming a distracting doping case resulting in a month-long ban last year, Swiatek has battled fiercely at her favorite venue this year, defeating Elena Rybakina in a three-set match and overcoming Elina Svitolina in her last outing.
Swiatek may need to harness that fighting spirit again as she faces a determined Sabalenka, who claimed her only win over the reigning Paris champion in the 2023 Madrid final.
“I know what I’m fighting for and that my game is strong, even in tough moments. At Roland Garros, I must always push myself to the end and fight for everything … I think I believe it even more now,” Swiatek stated.
“I can’t say if she elevates my game. Each opponent requires a different approach, making it challenging to compare. However, our rivalry pushes us both forward.”
GAUFF TAKES ON BOISSON AND THE FRENCH CROWD
American second seed Coco Gauff will face not only the spirited Boisson but also the energetic French crowd in the other semi-final, as the 2022 runner-up sets her sights on a second major title.
“I’ve played in crowds that are predominantly for me, so it’s not an issue. I hope everyone remains respectful. If they don’t, that’s alright,” Gauff said after Boisson upset sixth seed Mirra Andreeva.
“It adds excitement to sports, and I can’t be upset about people supporting their local hero, as I would do the same. I’ll mentally prepare for this possibility and come ready for anything.”
FRENCH OPEN ORDER OF PLAY ON THURSDAY (prefix number denotes seeding)
COURT PHILIPPE-CHATRIER (not before 1300 GMT)
1-Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) vs 5-Iga Swiatek (Poland)
Lois Boisson (France) vs 2-Coco Gauff (United States)
