Aryna Sabalenka triumphs over Zheng Qinwen, securing her spot in the French Open semifinals. Discover the highlights of this thrilling match.
A Battle of Power and Nerves on Paris Clay
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka showcased her trademark resilience and power to overcome Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen 7-6(3), 6-3 in a fiercely contested French Open quarterfinal on Tuesday. The victory not only snapped Zheng’s 10-match winning streak at Roland-Garros but also propelled Sabalenka into her second career semifinal in Paris, where she will face four-time champion Iga Swiatek in a blockbuster clash.
Early Struggles and Momentum Shifts
Sabalenka, chasing her first French Open title, entered the match as the favorite but quickly found herself under pressure. Zheng, riding high after her Olympic triumph and a string of impressive wins, broke Sabalenka early in the opening set. The Chinese eighth seed’s aggressive baseline play and fearless shot-making put Sabalenka on the back foot, and she surged ahead 2-1 with a blistering forehand winner.
But Sabalenka, known for her mental fortitude, weathered the storm. The Belarusian’s serve began to click, and she started to dictate rallies with her powerful groundstrokes. Two double faults from Zheng in the eighth game allowed Sabalenka to break back, shifting the momentum just as the set approached its climax.
Tiebreak Drama and Sabalenka’s Composure
The first set’s closing games were a test of nerve. Zheng, determined to seize her chance, fought off a set point at 5-6, saving it with a gutsy forehand. But in the tiebreak, Sabalenka’s experience shone through. She played with controlled aggression, minimizing errors while Zheng faltered under pressure. A mistimed drop shot from Zheng handed Sabalenka the set 7-6(3), a crucial psychological blow in a match where every point was fiercely contested. See also: Iga Swiatek’s Clay-Court Dominance Continues
Second Set: Sabalenka’s Acceleration
With the first set in her pocket, Sabalenka’s confidence soared. She immediately put Zheng under pressure, earning a break point in the fifth game. Although Zheng saved it with an overhead, Sabalenka’s relentless attack paid off on the next opportunity, her backhand return pinning Zheng deep and forcing the error for a 3-2 lead.
Zheng, refusing to go quietly, broke back to level at 3-3, but her serve wavered at critical moments. Sabalenka broke again for 5-3, then served out the match with authority, sealing her place in the semifinals with a forehand winner that summed up her aggressive intent.
Stats Tell the Story
While Sabalenka’s power was evident, the match was also defined by Zheng’s struggles with consistency. The Chinese star committed 31 unforced errors, compared to Sabalenka’s 18—a decisive difference in a contest where margins were slim. Sabalenka’s ability to raise her level in the biggest moments, particularly in the tiebreak and during the closing games of each set, was the hallmark of a true world No. 1.
Sabalenka’s Grand Slam Consistency
This win marks Sabalenka’s 11th Grand Slam semifinal and her second at Roland-Garros, underlining her emergence as one of the most consistent major performers on tour. Despite her top ranking and three major titles, the French Open trophy remains elusive. She came closest in 2023, reaching the semifinals, and was a quarterfinalist in 2024. Now, with her form peaking at the right time, Sabalenka is just two wins away from completing her Grand Slam collection. See also: Lois Boisson’s Cinderella Run: Wildcard Stuns Andreeva
Reflecting on her performance, Sabalenka said:
“It was a genuine struggle, and I was uncertain how I could turn it around and regain momentum in the first set. My start was not ideal, but I’m pleased I found my rhythm and emerged victorious. We’re all here for a singular purpose. Everyone desires that beautiful trophy. I’m thankful for another chance, another semifinal, to improve upon my previous performance.”
Zheng’s Run Ends, But Future Looks Bright
For Zheng Qinwen, the defeat ended a memorable run of 10 consecutive wins at Roland-Garros, dating back to last summer’s Olympic Games. The 22-year-old has established herself as a force on clay and continues to make strides on the biggest stages. Her ability to push the world No. 1 to the brink in the first set is a testament to her growing confidence and talent.
Despite the loss, Zheng’s campaign in Paris will be remembered for her fearless play and her potential to become a future Grand Slam champion.
Semifinal Showdown: Sabalenka vs. Swiatek
Sabalenka’s reward is a semifinal date with Iga Swiatek, the four-time French Open champion and current queen of clay. Their rivalry is one of the most compelling in women’s tennis, with Swiatek holding an 8-4 career edge, including 5-1 on clay. Sabalenka, however, has shown she can challenge Swiatek, pushing her to the limit in previous encounters.
Swiatek, fresh off a straight-sets win over Elina Svitolina, is chasing her slice of history, aiming to become the first woman in the Open Era to win four consecutive Roland-Garros titles. The semifinal promises to be a showcase of power, athleticism, and tactical brilliance.
Sabalenka, reflecting on her upcoming challenge, said:
“I was glad I lost that match [to Zheng in Rome], because I needed a little break before Roland-Garros. Today, I was just fresher. I was ready to battle, I was ready to leave everything I had on court to get this win.”
What’s at Stake
For Sabalenka, the French Open remains the final frontier in her quest for Grand Slam glory. Her run to the semifinals is a testament to her evolution as a player—mentally tougher, more consistent, and ready to seize the moment. Against Swiatek, she will need to bring her very best, both tactically and emotionally.
For fans, Thursday’s semifinal is a dream matchup: the world’s top two players, both in peak form, battling for a place in the Roland-Garros final. With so much on the line, expect fireworks on the red clay of Paris.