Iga Swiatek’s dominance at Roland Garros took a hit as the 24-year-old, dubbed the ‘Queen of Clay’, fell to world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling semi-final showdown on Thursday.
Coming into the tournament as the third favorite behind Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, Swiatek had not won a title since her 2024 French Open triumph and had slipped to her lowest ranking since March 2022.
Yet, the Polish star began her 2025 campaign strongly, winning her first three matches without dropping a set and showing signs of a return to form.
Her gritty comeback win over Elena Rybakina in the last 16 reignited belief, and she showed further resilience against Sabalenka by recovering from a 4–1 deficit in the first set.
However, Sabalenka’s power eventually overwhelmed her, converting eight break points and ending Swiatek’s 26-match winning streak on Parisian clay.
“Iga will be back and she will be better,” said former world number nine Andrea Petkovic, reflecting on Swiatek’s evolving form during her analysis for BBC Radio 5 Live.
Swiatek, now fifth seed, admitted the journey in Paris was more about perspective and growth.
“Probably it wasn’t a bad tournament, but obviously not the result I wanted,” she said post-match.
“I played some quality matches… Losing early in Rome gave me some time and perspective.”
Despite the semi-final exit, Swiatek has won 32 of her 42 matches this season — a sign she remains a formidable force on tour, even as she navigates a new phase in her career.
