French Open 2025: Sabalenka and Gauff to Clash in Roland Garros Final

Aryna Sabalenka delivered a dominant third-set display to eliminate defending champion Iga Swiatek from the French Open on Thursday, securing a place in the final at Roland Garros for the first time. The Belarusian overcame the world number one with a 7-6 (7-1), 4-6, 6-0 victory, ending Swiatek’s 26-match unbeaten streak at the tournament.

Swiatek, who was aiming to become the first woman in over 100 years to win four consecutive titles in Paris, fell short in a dramatic semifinal clash. After splitting the first two sets, the Polish star was overwhelmed in the decider, committing 12 unforced errors and winning only six points as Sabalenka closed out the match in commanding fashion.

Sabalenka, currently ranked world number three, praised her opponent’s skill on clay but expressed pride in her ability to push through. She now advances to face Coco Gauff, who earlier ended the impressive run of French wildcard Lois Boisson in the day’s second semifinal.

Gauff Dismantles Boisson’s Dream Run in Straight Sets

Coco Gauff secured her spot in the Roland Garros final with a comprehensive 6-1, 6-2 win over Lois Boisson, who had stunned the tennis world with her deep run as a 361st-ranked entrant. Boisson had previously knocked out top-tier players Jessica Pegula and Mirra Andreeva, but was unable to match Gauff’s level in their encounter on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Gauff, the tournament’s second seed, controlled the match from the outset, silencing the home crowd with a dominant first set. Although Boisson briefly rallied in the second by breaking serve, the American quickly reasserted her dominance to close the match in just over an hour.

The 21-year-old will now play in her second French Open final, having lost the 2022 title match to Swiatek. With consistent performances that have taken her to at least the quarterfinals in the last five editions of the tournament, Gauff will be seeking her first title in Paris after winning the 2023 US Open.

Rivalry Renewed as Gauff Faces Sabalenka in Title Match

The upcoming final brings together two of the most prominent figures in women’s tennis. Sabalenka and Gauff have faced each other ten times on the WTA Tour, splitting those encounters evenly. Their Grand Slam head-to-head stands at one victory apiece, with Gauff defeating Sabalenka in the 2023 US Open final and Sabalenka winning a previous meeting in Australia.

Sabalenka enters the final with three Grand Slam titles to her name, all on hard courts, including consecutive wins at the US Open in 2023 and Australian Open in 2024. A win on clay would mark her first major title on the surface and further solidify her status among the game’s elite.

For Gauff, this match presents a chance to cap off her steady ascent on clay with a breakthrough triumph. Her all-around game and maturity under pressure have seen her evolve into a consistent performer at the highest level.

Swiatek’s Streak Ends, Rankings Take a Hit

With her loss, Swiatek’s dominance at Roland Garros comes to an end. She had previously captured the title in 2020, 2022, and 2023, and was attempting to win a fourth consecutive crown—something not achieved since Justine Henin’s run in the mid-2000s. Her defeat means she will fall to seventh in the WTA rankings.

Despite the result, Swiatek expressed gratitude for her consistent success in Paris over the years and acknowledged the support she has received throughout her time at the tournament.

Meanwhile, Boisson, though eliminated, exits Roland Garros as a breakout star. The 22-year-old became the first French wildcard to reach the semifinals and is expected to rise more than 290 spots in the world rankings. However, her semifinal performance was undermined by 33 unforced errors, a sign of pressure in the spotlight of her deepest Grand Slam run to date.

The women’s singles final between Gauff and Sabalenka will take place on Saturday, with both players aiming to secure their second career Grand Slam title and add their names to the list of champions at one of tennis’s most prestigious events.