Aryna Sabalenka has once again proven why she’s the top-ranked player in women’s tennis. The Belarusian star reached the semifinals of the 2025 French Open after a solid win over China’s Zheng Qinwen. The match ended in straight sets, 7-6(3), 6-3, and took place on the main stage at Roland Garros — Court Philippe-Chatrier. This marks her second semifinal appearance at this Grand Slam tournament, her first being in 2023. Sabalenka has shown consistent form throughout the 2025 season, and her performance in Paris adds to her growing list of achievements. She now looks closer than ever to capturing her first French Open title.
A Tough Start, But a Confident Finish
Sabalenka didn’t start the match as strongly as fans might have expected. Zheng Qinwen came out aggressive, breaking her serve early and taking the lead. However, Sabalenka remained composed and slowly found her rhythm. Her powerful groundstrokes and improved movement helped her fight back. She forced the first set into a tiebreak, where she took full control and won 7-3. In the second set, both players exchanged early breaks, but Sabalenka's experience helped her stay focused. She broke again and held her serve to seal the win. The way she bounced back showed mental strength and physical stamina, which are crucial for success at Grand Slams.
Grand Slam Consistency Continues
Over the past few years, Sabalenka has become one of the most consistent players in major tournaments. She has reached at least the semifinals in nine of the last ten Grand Slam events she has played, a rare and impressive record in women’s tennis. The only exception was the 2024 French Open, where she had to retire from her match due to illness. She also missed Wimbledon last year because of a shoulder injury. Despite these setbacks, Sabalenka has bounced back stronger than ever in 2025. Her ability to maintain high-level performance across different surfaces highlights her growth and dedication as a top-tier athlete.
Who Will Sabalenka Face Next?
Aryna Sabalenka is now waiting to see who she will face in the semifinals. Her next opponent will be either Elina Svitolina from Ukraine or Iga Swiatek from Poland. Swiatek is the defending champion and has already won the French Open four times, making her a strong favorite. On the other hand, Svitolina is a seasoned player who has also made several deep runs in Grand Slams. Whoever wins their quarterfinal match will present a tough challenge for Sabalenka. Fans are eagerly watching to see this exciting semifinal matchup unfold, as it could decide the eventual winner of the tournament.
What’s Next for Sabalenka?
Looking ahead, Sabalenka is aiming to win her first French Open title and her fourth Grand Slam in singles. She already holds two Australian Open titles (2023, 2024) and the 2024 US Open trophy. Winning at Roland Garros would mark another milestone in her career. Clay has not always been her favorite surface, but her results this year prove that she has adapted well. With strong performances and growing confidence, she is a serious contender for the title. Whether she plays Swiatek or Svitolina next, she will need to stay mentally strong and bring her best tennis to win the championship.
Watch the Match Highlights
For those who missed the match, the official highlight video of Aryna Sabalenka’s quarterfinal victory over Zheng Qinwen is now available on the Roland Garros website. The video captures the most exciting moments of the match, including Sabalenka’s comeback in the first set and her powerful forehand winners. Watching the highlights offers a quick way to see how she controlled the game and how Zheng tried to challenge her. It’s also a great way for fans to get a sense of Sabalenka’s form ahead of the semifinals.
Image Source: independent.co.uk
