**A True Battle: Aryna Sabalenka Advances to French Open Semi-Finals**
World number one Aryna Sabalenka has made a significant mark in the 2025 French Open, triumphing in a challenging match against Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, thereby securing her spot in the semi-finals. Played on the renowned Court Philippe Chatrier under blustery conditions, the match unfolded as a gripping contest that showcased Sabalenka’s resilience and tenacity.
The match highlighted the intensity of women’s tennis at this prestigious tournament, with Sabalenka battling her way to victory with a score of 7-6 (7-3), 6-3. After finding herself down in the first set due to a break, the Belarusian demonstrated her fighting spirit, managing to claw her way back and ultimately clinch the set in a tie-break. “That was a true battle – I have no idea how I was able to get back into that first set. I was ready to leave everything I have on court to win,” Sabalenka reflected post-match, emphasizing the physical and mental strain endured throughout the contest.
As the match progressed, Sabalenka managed to assert her dominance, particularly evident in her improved serving and movement, which proved advantageous on the clay surface of Roland Garros. Entering the tournament as a favorite to win her first title in Paris, she has yet to drop a set this fortnight, solidifying her status among the tournament’s elite.
In the upcoming semi-finals, Sabalenka faces the prospect of a highly anticipated clash against three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek, provided the Polish player secures victory over Elina Svitolina in their own semi-final. The potential matchup adds an extra layer of excitement to the tournament, given Swiatek’s previous dominance at Roland Garros, making Sabalenka the player to beat this year.
The French Open, taking place from May 25 to June 8, 2025, at the iconic Roland Garros, has been a showcase of thrilling tennis, with extensive coverage available on platforms such as BBC Sounds and BBC Sport’s website. As always, the event is a testament to the rich traditions of tennis and the sport’s increasingly competitive nature.
Sabalenka’s journey to the semi-finals has been marked by remarkable achievements this season. With three titles already to her name, including a victory on Madrid’s clay, and her recent experiences in major finals, she appears focused on overcoming the disappointment of her previous three-set loss to Madison Keys during the Australian Open final. This renewed determination has fueled her efforts at the French Open, with each match deepening her resolve and skill.
Looking at her opponent Zheng Qinwen, the matchup was particularly compelling given Zheng’s recent success against Sabalenka on clay in Rome earlier this May. Despite a slow start, where Zheng initially led the charge, she ultimately fell victim to a series of unforced errors – a staggering 31 compared to Sabalenka’s 18 – which significantly impacted the match’s outcome. Zheng’s struggle with serving under pressure was evident, as she won only 39% of her second-serve points, illustrating the challenges she faced in a match of such magnitude.
As the match progressed, Sabalenka showcased her ability to recover from early setbacks, maintaining her composure amidst the swirling winds and executing crucial breaks at pivotal moments. With the stakes high and the crowd rallying behind her, Sabalenka capitalized on Zheng’s errors to maintain her edge, pushing the match towards a rapid conclusion with her powerful groundstrokes and strategic play.
As Sabalenka contemplates her next challenge against a formidable opponent like Swiatek, she carries the confidence of an unbeaten tournament thus far, bolstered by her fierce competitive spirit and abundant talent. The narrative of the 2025 French Open continues to unfold, promising exhilarating encounters as players vie for glory on one of tennis’ grandest stages.