Sabalenka Ends Swiatek’s Roland Garros Streak to Set Up French Open Final with Gauff

Aryna Sabalenka stunned four-time champion Iga Swiatek in a thrilling three-set semi-final to end the Pole’s 26-match winning streak at Roland Garros. The Belarusian will now face Coco Gauff, who defeated local hero Lois Boisson, in her first French Open final.

Sabalenka Ends Swiatek’s Roland Garros Reign, Gauff Awaits in French Open Final

PARIS — World number one Aryna Sabalenka powered past four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek with a 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-0 victory on Thursday to reach her first final in Paris, ending Swiatek’s 26-match winning streak at Roland Garros.

The Belarusian will meet 2022 finalist Coco Gauff in Saturday’s final after the American comfortably beat French wildcard Lois Boisson in straight sets.

Sabalenka’s explosive start gave her a 3-0 lead as she aggressively attacked Swiatek’s serve, with the defending champion managing just 35% success on her second serve. Despite a fightback in the second set, Swiatek couldn’t maintain momentum in the decider.

“Honestly, it feels incredible but I understand the job is not done yet. I'm just thrilled today with this win and the atmosphere,” said Sabalenka. “She’s the toughest opponent, especially on clay, especially at Roland Garros. It was a tricky match, but I managed.”

Swiatek, who had dropped only one set en route to the semi-finals, struggled early with seven unforced errors and two double faults in the opening games. Although she found rhythm in the second set, Sabalenka’s renewed serve and relentless baseline power proved too much in the third.

“I think the pace from her was super fast,” said Swiatek. “She played kind of as hard as possible and pretty risky, so it was hard to get into any rally.”

In the other semi-final, Gauff, the second seed, dominated French sensation Lois Boisson, who had reached the last four as a wildcard ranked 361st in the world. The 21-year-old American handled the partisan crowd with composure, keeping her focus throughout the match.

“This is my first time playing a French player here. I was mentally prepared that the crowd would be 99% for her, so I tried to block it out,” said Gauff.

Boisson, who had played only two main tour matches before this tournament, was overwhelmed by Gauff’s consistency and movement.

“She was really solid, and I couldn’t play my game today,” said Boisson. “I just felt like I was running everywhere on the court.”

With the win, Gauff moves a step closer to becoming the first American woman to win at Roland Garros since Serena Williams in 2015.