Swiatek reaches fourth consecutive Paris semi-final, sets up Sabalenka showdown
The Pole looked in fine form against the Ukranian, Svitolina.
Michtof / PsnewZ
The last time that Iga Swiatek had lost at Roland-Garros was at the quarter-final stage (in 2021), but, once again, the Pole moved into the semi-final of the Parisian Grand Slam with a 6-1, 7-5 victory over Elina Svitolina.
Swiatek collected her 26th consecutive tournament win, and looked in control for the vast majority of the match.
In the first set, the five-time Grand Slam champion saved all three break points that she faced – breaking Svitolina in both of her last two service games.
The second set, however, was a closely fought affair, with the Parisian crowd helping the Ukrainian to up her level and break Swiatek for the first time, creating a 3-1 lead. In typical fashion, the Pole reacted straight away and broke back on her first opportunity.
Both continued to hold serve with ease, until 5-5 – where a double fault from Swiatek created a rare deuce opening for Svitiolina, who then missed a makable forehand return into the net.
After holding, and a shout over to her box, Swiatek leaped on another break point chance with some impeccably deep returns – serving out the match in the next game with ease to book her place in the last four.
“I should have had better intensity in the beginning of the second set,” analysed the three-time defending champion, during her on-court interview.
“When Elina loses, she steps up. I wanted to be proactive and be in the game and I am happy I did that.
“At the end of the set the wind went down a bit. So I just went all in [to serve three aces]. It was nice to win some points for free.”
Swiatek on Sabalenka clash: It’s always a challenge
Swiatek will next face Aryna Sabanka, with their head-to-head standing at 8-4 in the Pole’s favour. However, it was the world No 1 that collected the victory in their latest encounter with a 6-3, 6-3 match in Cincinnati last season.
“The Madrid final against her is one of the best and most exciting finals that I have played,” stated Swiatek, after her quarter-final match.
“It is always a challenge against Aryna. She really has a game for every surface, so I just need to focus on myself, do the work, be brave in my shots and just go for it.
“I’m going to prepare tactically tomorrow for sure. She has been having a great season so I’m not going to lie, it is going to be a tough match. But I’m happy for the challenge.”
The semi-final will take place on Thursday, in what promises to be a ‘battle of the titans’ – with the winner being, undoubtedly, the favourite in Saturday’s showpiece match.
