Aryna Sabalenka Powers into French Open Semifinals with Thrilling Victory

The world of tennis witnessed a thrilling encounter on Tuesday as top seed Aryna Sabalenka staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Paris Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen in a nail-biting 7-6(3) 6-3 victory, securing her spot in the French Open semifinals. The Belarusian tennis star’s determination and resilience were on full display as she overcame a slow start to dismantle her opponent and move one step closer to her maiden French Open title.

A Slow Start and a Turning Point

Sabalenka’s match against Zheng got off to a rocky start, with the Chinese player breaking her serve to take an early 2-1 lead. The crowd at the half-full Court Philippe Chatrier watched in awe as Zheng crushed a powerful forehand winner, leaving Sabalenka struggling to find her rhythm. However, the 27-year-old top seed refused to give up, drawing upon her wealth of experience to level the score five games later. Despite being denied on set point while up 6-5, Sabalenka remained focused, using the setback as a catalyst to shift her game into high gear.

A Battle of Wits and Endurance

The tiebreak that followed was a thrilling display of athleticism and mental toughness, with both players pushing each other to the limit. Sabalenka’s superior endurance and strategic play ultimately paid off, as errors crept into Zheng’s game, allowing the Belarusian to claim the first set. The second set was a high-octane affair, with both players swapping breaks and engaging in a war of attrition. A huge forehand winner from Sabalenka put her 5-3 up, and she never looked back, sealing the victory with a confident display of tennis.

A Step Closer to Glory

Sabalenka’s victory marks a significant milestone in her quest for her maiden French Open title. Having suffered her first loss to Zheng in seven career meetings in the Rome quarterfinals last month, the top seed was determined to make amends. "It was a true battle, and I had no idea how I could break her back and get back into the first set. I didn’t start well, and I’m glad I found my rhythm and won," Sabalenka reflected on her hard-fought victory. With this win, she takes a step closer to realizing her dream of lifting the coveted trophy, joining the ranks of tennis legends who have conquered the clay courts of Roland Garros.

The Road Ahead

As Sabalenka looks ahead to her semifinal clash, she will face either 13th seed Elina Svitolina or four-time champion Iga Swiatek, both of whom pose a significant threat to her title aspirations. However, the Belarusian remains undaunted, drawing inspiration from her past experiences and the unwavering support of her fans. "I think we’re all here for one reason. Everyone wants that beautiful trophy. I’m glad I have another opportunity, another semi-final to do better than last time. I really hope that by the end of the claycourt season I’m really proud of myself," she said, her voice filled with determination and conviction.

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As the French Open 2025 continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Aryna Sabalenka’s journey serves as a testament to the enduring power of perseverance, strategy, and passion. With her sights firmly set on the title, the world number one will stop at nothing to etch her name into the annals of tennis history, inspiring a new generation of players and fans alike.

Content originally published by sportstar.thehindu.com