Introduction: French Open Semi-Final Reaches Boiling Point
Hello and a very warm welcome to our live coverage of the highly-anticipated French Open 2025 semi-final between two of the most dominant forces in women’s tennis — World No. 1 Iga Swiatek and the powerful World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka. As Roland Garros enters its decisive stages, this match promises a gripping battle of power, precision, and mental fortitude. Stay with us as we bring you live score updates, in-depth analysis, and key moments from this thrilling encounter.
Match Preview: A Rivalry Rekindled
The rivalry between Swiatek and Sabalenka has grown into one of the most compelling in women’s tennis. While Swiatek is chasing her third consecutive French Open title and fourth overall, Sabalenka is desperate to halt her clay-court dominance and reach her first ever final in Paris.
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Iga Swiatek: The Polish star has looked nearly unbeatable on clay. Her aggressive topspin forehand, smooth court coverage, and ability to absorb pressure make her a natural on this surface. Swiatek enters this match on a 12-match winning streak at Roland Garros.
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Aryna Sabalenka: The Belarusian powerhouse has had a stellar 2025 season so far, winning titles on hard courts and making significant improvements on clay. Known for her explosive groundstrokes and fierce serves, Sabalenka has the tools to trouble Swiatek — but she’ll need consistency and patience.
Head-to-Head: Swiatek vs Sabalenka
These two elite players have faced each other eight times before today. The record currently stands in Swiatek’s favour, who has won 6 of their past 8 meetings, including both previous encounters at the French Open.
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Last Meeting: Swiatek def. Sabalenka (Rome Open 2025 Final)
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Last French Open Meeting: Swiatek def. Sabalenka (2023 Semifinal)
Sabalenka will be keen to change the script this time and prove that she can outclass Swiatek even on clay.
Road to the Semi-Final
Both players have shown excellent form to reach this stage of the tournament.
Iga Swiatek’s Route:
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R1: def. P. Martic 6-1, 6-2
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R2: def. D. Yastremska 6-3, 6-4
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R3: def. B. Haddad Maia 6-2, 6-1
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QF: def. E. Rybakina 7-5, 6-3
Aryna Sabalenka’s Route:
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R1: def. K. Volynets 6-4, 6-1
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R2: def. C. Dolehide 6-2, 6-0
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R3: def. M. Keys 6-4, 6-4
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QF: def. O. Jabeur 6-3, 7-5
Sabalenka has looked sharp, but she hasn’t yet faced a challenge quite like Swiatek.
Key Factors to Watch
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First Serve Percentage: Sabalenka’s ability to land her first serve will be crucial. Swiatek’s return game is relentless, especially on second serves.
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Baseline Exchanges: Expect long, punishing rallies. Swiatek thrives on dragging her opponents into physical battles.
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Mental Strength: The pressure of a Grand Slam semi-final can unravel even the best. Swiatek’s composure could be her edge.
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Tactical Variety: Can Sabalenka mix up her shots — slice, drop shots, net approaches — to disrupt Swiatek’s rhythm?
Live Score and Match Updates
Set 1:
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Swiatek begins confidently with a break in the opening game.
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Sabalenka fights back with her signature deep returns.
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Score update: Swiatek leads 4-3 with serve.
Stay tuned as we bring minute-by-minute updates, including stats like aces, unforced errors, and break points saved.
Historical Significance
If Iga Swiatek wins today, she will become the first woman since Justine Henin to reach three straight French Open finals. For Sabalenka, this is an opportunity to establish herself beyond hard court success and prove her clay court credentials at the highest level.
Fans and Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Court Philippe-Chatrier is electric. Fans have packed the stands, waving Polish and Belarusian flags, cheering loudly for their favorites. The match has drawn tennis fans from all over the world — celebrities, former champions, and passionate supporters — all here for what promises to be a modern classic.