Iga Swiatek Semi-Final Preview: Swiatek vs. Sabalenka at Roland Garros 2025

When the French Open draw was announced two weeks ago, the buzz around one potential women’s match was undeniable. Iga Swiatek, the reigning champion and ‘Queen of Clay,’ will clash with world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a highly anticipated semi-final. This match marks the latest chapter in their riveting clay court rivalry, as both have dominated the WTA Tour over the past three years. Scheduled for Thursday, this showdown at Roland Garros 2025 promises excitement and drama.

Former world number nine Andrea Petkovic, who will analyze the match for BBC Radio 5 Live, described it as “the blockbuster of the entire tournament on the women’s side.” Swiatek, seeded fifth from Poland, aims for her fourth consecutive title, while Belarusian Sabalenka seeks her first crown. This encounter is their first meeting at the clay-court Grand Slam and their first competitive match since the Cincinnati Open last August.

Swiatek, 23, leads their head-to-head record with eight wins from 12 matches, including five out of six on clay. However, with questions about her current form, can 27-year-old Sabalenka overcome her rival’s impressive record?

Swiatek’s Strengths: Mentality, Forehand, and Return

Heading into Roland Garros, Swiatek’s dominance seemed under threat. The former world number one has dropped to her lowest ranking since 2022, not reaching a tour-level final since last year’s French Open. Notably, this is the first time she arrived in Paris without a clay-court title since her first triumph in 2020.

After a disappointing defeat to Danielle Collins in the Italian Open third round, Swiatek insisted her past record in Paris would not guarantee future success. Yet, she has improved with each match, with her comeback from a set down against Elena Rybakina in the last 16 marking a turning point.

“Before the tournament, I had Iga as the third favorite—after Aryna and Coco,” said Petkovic. “But after her match against Rybakina, I saw the old mental strength of Iga in crucial moments.”

Although Swiatek may not be at her absolute best, her earlier frustrations in the clay-court season have mostly disappeared. She has regained confidence in her powerful top-spin forehand, using it more frequently from the center of the court. “Against the best movers, you won’t hit as many winners on the backhand—no matter how good it is—so you have to rely on your forehand,” said Petkovic. “Her forehand is the biggest weapon on the clay courts; it has more spin and can jump out of Sabalenka’s strike zone.”

Swiatek’s tactic of stepping back in her returning position, as she did against Rybakina, might also be crucial against another big server. “Swiatek always returns from the same position, regardless of who is serving. That works against players who don’t serve well,” Petkovic added. “But against players like Rybakina and Sabalenka, it can be risky. If you don’t spot the ball early, you’ll be under immediate pressure.”

Sabalenka’s Strengths: Raw Power and Early Control

Aryna Sabalenka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, took over the top ranking last year. Her powerful style is effective on all surfaces, complemented by remarkable consistency. Sabalenka, who has claimed three WTA titles this year, is the first player to reach the quarter-finals in 10 consecutive Grand Slams since Serena Williams from 2014 to 2017. To reach her first French Open final, she must end Swiatek’s 26-match winning streak on Paris clay.

“For Aryna, the key is controlling the first two to three shots. That’s where she makes the difference,” said Petkovic. “She doesn’t have to win the point in those shots, but she needs to gain control. If she can do that, it will be tough for Iga to win.”

Sabalenka, appearing in her second French Open semi-final, is evolving beyond just raw power. She is playing with more variety and has effectively used the drop shot in Paris, though Swiatek’s speed may neutralize this tactic. “I’ll play with my power because that’s where I’m most comfortable,” said Sabalenka. “But it’s important to mix it up a bit to keep the opponent guessing.”

How TikTok Helped Bond the Rivals

Swiatek and Sabalenka have found common ground off the court, practicing together in the off-season and again at Roland Garros before the tournament began. Swiatek played down the significance of the practice session, which occurred as she sought to rediscover her form. “It’s always great to practice with Aryna. She provides a great rhythm, and the practice is high-quality,” said Swiatek, who has dropped only one set in the tournament so far. “But honestly, it was two weeks ago, and a lot has changed since then.”

Swiatek believes their rivalry is pushing both players to greater heights, while Sabalenka says they have bonded more away from the court. Despite their differences—Swiatek being more introverted and Sabalenka more extroverted—the pair have developed a “better relationship,” partly through a TikTok video at last year’s WTA Finals.

On Thursday, however, all friendships will be set aside. “I love these challenges. I’m always excited to face someone strong who can challenge me,” said Sabalenka. “I go out there to fight and am ready to give everything I have to win.”

For more insights into the world of women’s tennis, visit the official WTA website. To follow the French Open 2025 in detail, check out the official French Open website. Additionally, get expert opinions and match previews at Tennis Majors.