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Key Points

Aryna Sabalenka secured a spot in the French Open semifinals by defeating Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen with a thrilling 7-6(3), 6-3 victory. This marks her second career semifinal in Paris and the 11th major semifinal of her career, showcasing her relentless determination. Her next challenge is against fifth seed Iga Swiatek, continuing a competitive rivalry. Sabalenka looked fresher on court, reflecting on her need for rest after previously losing to Qinwen at the Rome Open.

Key Points: Aryna Sabalenka Defeats Zheng Qinwen to Reach French Semis

  • Sabalenka beats Qinwen 7-6(3), 6-3 after a comeback
  • Sabalenka aims for first French Open final
  • Marked by intense rivalry with Iga Swiatek
2 min read

French Open: Aryna Sabalenka moves to semifinals

Aryna Sabalenka advances to French Open semis beating Qinwen. She eyes her first final.

"Today I was just fresher. I was ready to battle. - Aryna Sabalenka"

Paris, June 3

The world number one Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the semifinals of the ongoing French Open, defeating the current Olympic gold medalist and number eighth seed Zheng Qinwen in the final eight clash on Tuesday.

As per WTA, Sabalenka defeated Qinwen by 7-6(3), 6-3, reaching her seventh semifinal of the season. She came back from 4-2 down in the first set to secure the win.

This is Sabalenka's 11th major semifinal overall, the most by a player since Maria Sharapova reached the French Open semis in 2011, and her second semifinal in Paris after 2023, when she lost to Karolina Muchova in a three-set game.

Sabalenka will be aiming for her sixth Grand Slam final and first-ever French Open final against fifth seed Iga Swiatek in the 13th match of their rivalry.

Until last month, Sabalenka enjoyed a massive edge over Qinwen, securing the first six encounters, but the Olympic gold medalist bounced back in the Rome Open quarterfinals, securing her first win 6-4, 6-3.

Speaking after the match, Sabalenka said, "I have to say I was pretty exhausted in Rome. Honestly, I was playing the tournament constantly thinking I should not be playing and I needed a little rest before Roland Garros."

"I was actually glad I lost that match, because I needed a little break before Roland Garros. Today I was just fresher. I was ready to battle, I was ready to fight, I was ready to leave everything I had on court to get this win," she added.

The world number one was extremely sharp against Qinwen, which marked the first top 10 win of her career at the French Open, as compared to six at the Australian Open and the US Open combined.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Sabalenka is a beast on court! Her power game is just incredible to watch. As an Indian tennis fan, I wish we had players with this kind of dominance. Hope our girls take inspiration 🇮🇳🎾 #FrenchOpen
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Rahul S.
That first set comeback was pure class! But honestly, I'm more excited about the potential Sabalenka vs Swiatek clash. Their rivalry is becoming legendary. Hope it's a 3-set thriller 🤞
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Ananya M.
Interesting how she admitted being glad about losing in Rome to get rest. Shows how important mental preparation is in top-level sports. Our Indian athletes should learn this - sometimes pushing too hard backfires.
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Vikram J.
While Sabalenka is impressive, I feel the media focuses too much on the 'Big 3' in women's tennis. There are so many talented players from smaller nations who deserve coverage too. The inequality in tennis resources is real.
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Sanjana P.
Watching these matches at 2 AM IST is tough but worth it! 😴 Sabalenka's energy is infectious. Hope she wins the title - she's been so consistent across all surfaces. Roland Garros needs new champions!
K
Karan D.
Zheng Qinwen put up a good fight though! Asian representation in tennis is growing. Maybe soon we'll see an Indian in Grand Slam quarterfinals? A man can dream... #IndianTennis

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