Aryna Sabalenka Comes Out Swinging In French Open Semifinal Showdown | June 5

Things heated up fast on Court Philippe-Chatrier as Aryna Sabalenka stormed to an early 2-0 lead against defending champion Iga Świątek in their 2025 French Open semifinal clash. The world No. 1 from Belarus wasted no time asserting herself, breaking Swiatek’s serve right out of the gate with some fierce baseline hitting. It’s clear she’s not just here to compete. She’s here to end Swiatek’s three-year reign in Paris.

Sabalenka’s strong start is no fluke. She’s been looking razor-sharp throughout the tournament, not dropping a single set heading into this match. Her footwork on clay has tightened up, and her shot selection is a whole level smarter than we’ve seen in past seasons. What’s thrown Swiatek off so far is Sabalenka’s early aggression. She’s been attacking those first few shots in every rally like her life depends on it, giving the Pole barely any room to breathe.

Let’s be honest, this matchup had tennis fans buzzing all week. Sabalenka vs. Swiatek wasn’t just another line on the schedule, it was the match to watch. And with a fired-up crowd hanging onto every point, you can practically feel the tension swirling through the Paris air. These two don’t just play matches; they wage war on clay.

Sabalenka’s Game Plan Is Working—and Then Some

Coming into Roland Garros, Sabalenka was already having a standout season, boasting a 39-6 win-loss record. But this tournament has felt different. There’s a quiet intensity to her game now; every drop shot, every heavy topspin forehand feels calculated. She’s not just overpowering Swiatek; she’s outthinking her.

Analysts were right to flag Sabalenka’s early-point dominance as a key factor. She’s dictating the tempo, keeping Swiatek on the back foot, and executing those inside-out forehands with surgical precision. This isn’t desperation tennis, it’s confident, dialed-in, championship-level stuff.

Sure, Swiatek still leads their head-to-head 8-4 overall, and a pretty lopsided 5-1 on clay, but Sabalenka’s been closing that gap. The mental shift is noticeable. She’s not just hoping to hang with Iga anymore. She is showing up like she expects to win.

So far, she’s been punishing Świątek’s forehand side, drawing errors and creating space. With a couple of break points already converted, she’s doing exactly what she needs to: keep the pressure relentless and the scoreboard moving.

Iga Świątek’s Still in This—But the Clock Is Ticking

That said, it’s way too early to count out Swiatek. Let’s not forget she came into this match riding a 26-match win streak at the French Open. She knows this court like the back of her hand, and she’s been in tight spots before. Just look at her gritty fourth-round comeback. This is a player who lives for the big moments.

Swiatek’s clay-court game is built on endurance and mental toughness. Her topspin-heavy forehand can push anyone deep behind the baseline, and her defense is some of the best in the game. The fans know it too, anyone who’s followed the French Open knows Iga Świątek rarely goes quietly.

But today, she’s got her work cut out. Sabalenka isn’t giving her an inch, and that rhythm Swiatek usually finds early in a match, is not there yet. This semifinal feels less like a routine challenge and more like a full-on chess match, only with blistering groundstrokes.

The Stakes? Sky-High

We’re deep in the business end of the French Open, and neither of these women is playing just to make a statement. They want the trophy. For Sabalenka, this could be her first title in Paris. For Swiatek, it’s a chance to extend her dominance and grab a fourth Roland Garros crown.

Whoever wins will move on to face the winner of the other semifinal between American star Coco Gauff and French wildcard Lois Boisson, a matchup that’s brought its wave of excitement to the tournament.

Eyes On the Clay

The match is still unfolding, but one thing’s for sure. Sabalenka showed up ready. Whether she can keep this momentum or whether Iga Świątek mounts one of her trademark comebacks, we’re witnessing something special.