French Open 2025: Sabalenka Dukes It Out Against Qinwen To Seal Semi-Final Berth

Last Updated:June 03, 2025, 18:04 IST

Sabalenka will next face either three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek of Poland or Ukraine's Elina Svitolina for a place in the final.

Aryna Sabalenka eyes her first French Open title (AFP)

World number one Aryna Sabalenka got the better of Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen in a straight-sets battle to secure the first spot in the French Open semi-finals on Tuesday.

The top seed from Belarus triumphed 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 against the Chinese eighth seed. She will next face either three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek of Poland or Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina for a place in the final.

Sabalenka experienced her first loss to Zheng in their seven career meetings during the Rome quarter-finals last month, and she fell behind early in the opening set at a half-full Court Philippe Chatrier.

“It was a true battle, and I had no idea how I could break her back and get back into the first set. I didn’t start well, and I’m glad I found my rhythm and won," said Sabalenka, who moved a step closer to her maiden French Open title.

“I think we’re all here for one reason. Everyone wants that beautiful trophy. I’m glad I have another opportunity, another semi-final to do better than last time.

“I really hope that by the end of the clay court season, I’m really proud of myself."

China’s Zheng, aiming to replicate compatriot Li Na’s 2011 triumph at Roland Garros, delivered a powerful forehand winner to break for a 2-1 lead. However, Sabalenka shifted gears to level five games later and was denied on set point while up 6-5.

The 27-year-old top seed overcame that setback to dominate the tiebreak as errors began to plague eighth seed Zheng’s game. The players traded breaks in a thrilling second set.

A massive forehand winner put Sabalenka 5-3 up, and the three-time Grand Slam champion maintained her momentum to seal the match.

Having won the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024 and being the reigning US Open champion, Sabalenka is pursuing her first title in Paris.

(with agency inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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