French Open 2025: Iga Swiatek v Aryna Sabalenka semi-final preview

Three-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka replaced Swiatek at the top of the rankings last year, opening up a commanding lead over her rivals by winning 39 of her 45 matches this season.

Her powerful style transcends all surfaces and is backed up by an unparalleled consistency.

Sabalenka, who has won three WTA titles this year, is the first player to reach the quarter-finals at 10 consecutive Grand Slams since American great Serena Williams between 2014 and 2017.

To reach her first French Open final, she will have to find a way to end Swiatek’s 26-match winning streak on the Paris clay.

“The most important thing for Aryna – against anybody in the world – is whether she can control the first two to three shots. That’s where she makes the difference,” said Petkovic.

“It doesn’t mean she has to win the point in the first two or three shots, but she has to be able to gain control.

“If she is able to do that, I think it will be very hard for Iga to win.”

Sabalenka has only been in one previous French Open semi-final, but is becoming more than just a ball crusher as she looks to evolve her game.

She is playing with increasing variety and has used the drop-shot effectively in Paris, although the speed of Swiatek may be able to neutralise that option.

“I’m going to play with my power, because this is something where I feel the most comfortable,” said Sabalenka.

“But when you put the other player on the back foot, it’s really important to mix it up little bit just so they guess every time.”