Can Swiatek Continue Her Winning Streak Against Sabalenka?

Paris, June 3 (NationPress) World No. 5 Iga Swiatek from Poland has successfully advanced to her fourth straight Roland Garros semifinal, extending her impressive winning streak in Paris to 26 matches after defeating Ukraine's Elina Svitolina with a score of 6-1, 7-5 in a thrilling quarterfinal showdown.

This victory marks Swiatek as just the fifth player in the Open Era — regardless of gender — to achieve 25 or more consecutive singles victories at the French Open, joining the ranks of legends like Rafael Nadal, Chris Evert, Bjorn Borg, and Monica Seles.

“It may seem easy, but it was quite the challenge,” Swiatek reflected post-match. “I had to battle for every point, particularly during the second set when she managed to break my serve. I’m pleased I maintained my intensity until the very end.”

That intensity proved crucial. While the first set saw Swiatek surge ahead despite facing three early break points from Svitolina, the second set turned into a fierce struggle. The Ukrainian, who entered this match as the season's clay-court match-win leader with 16 victories and significant runs in Rouen, Madrid, and Rome, pushed Swiatek to her limits. She took a 3-1 lead and was just two points away from clinching the second set at 5-4.

However, as true champions do, Swiatek discovered an extra gear. She overcame that critical moment, then seized her opportunity with a powerful crosscourt forehand return to break for 6-5. Moments later, with the match within her grasp, she unleashed two consecutive aces — her second and third of the match — to seal the victory after 1 hour and 41 minutes.

Despite entering Roland Garros without a clay title for the first time since 2020, Swiatek is now only two wins away from claiming her fifth French Open title — potentially the most significant one yet. Next up is a familiar and formidable opponent, Aryna Sabalenka, the current World No. 1.

Since April 2022, these two have dominated the top rankings, with Swiatek spending 125 weeks at No. 1 and Sabalenka currently in her 41st week at the top.

In their 12 encounters, Swiatek holds a lead with an 8-4 record overall and 5-1 on clay. However, it was Sabalenka who triumphed in their last match, winning decisively 6-3, 6-3 on the hard courts of Cincinnati last year. Their upcoming semifinal will be their first clash at Roland Garros, with the clay-court narrative now taking center stage.

“Our rivalry definitely drives both of us,” Swiatek acknowledged. “But it extends beyond tennis; it’s about our work ethic, professionalism, and overall approach.”