Despite a shaky start of the clay court season, Iga Swiatek is back into the French Open semifinals. The four-time champion will now face World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who is now one of the players with the most effectiveness against Top 10 in Grand Slams. With the win, Swiatek also equaled an impressive record of Bjorn Borg.
Swiatek, who defeated Elina Svitolina in two contested sets, won her 40th French Open main draw match in singles. With a 40-2 record, she equaled Bjorn Borg as the second-fatest player to do so, according to Opta Ace. Only Rafael Nadal did it in fewer matches (41).
Now, Swiatek will meet Sabalenka in a second ever Grand Slam match. Their first clash in a major came at the 2022 US Open, which the Polish star won in three sets. However, at the time, neither of them had won a Grand Slam.
The last time they met was in Cincinnati in 2024, with Sabalenka winning in two sets. In total, they have played each other on 12 occasions, with Swiatek winning eight matches. On clay, they have clashed six times, with the Polish star winning five.
Iga Swiatek plays a backhand during the 2025 French Open quarter-finals (Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
“I know it’s always a challenge (against Sabalenka). I just need to focus on myself, and go for it. She’s been having a great season so I’m not going to lie, it will be a tough match, but I’m happy for the challenge,” said Swiatek of the semifinals clash.
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French Open prize money 2025: Winners’ earnings at Roland Garros
Swiatek also surpasses Chris Evert’s winning percentage at the French Open
Swiatek is also making history as the WTA player with the highest winning percentage at the French open women’s singles in the Open Era. She is now equalling none other than Margaret Court. Here’s the breakdown of the players with the highest winning percentage:
95.2% — Margaret Court, Iga Swiatek
92.3% — Chris Evert
89.4% — Steffi Graf
88.4% — Justine Henin
On the other hand, Swiatek could become the first WTA player to win four consecutive titles at the French Open. With her three titles in a row, she matched Justine Henin, who won from 2005 to 2007, and another one in 2003.
