Tennis
Top seeds set for French Open showdown in Paris─── MORGAN PIEK 09:34 Fri, 06 Jun 2025
The world’s top two women’s singles players are set for a thrilling showdown in Paris on Saturday, as number one seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus faces off against the USA’s Coco Gauff in the final of the French Open at Roland Garros.
On Thursday, in the first semi-final, Sabalenka ended defending champion Iga Swiatek’s impressive winning streak in Paris with a hard-fought three-set victory at the clay-court Grand Slam.
The powerful Sabalenka claimed the opening set before the three-time champion fought back to take the second. But Sabalenka shifted into top gear in the decider, powering through the final set for a 7-6, 4-6, 6-0 win to book her place in the final.
Following the match, Sabalenka praised her rival for a strong performance but was ultimately thrilled to advance to the final of the year’s second Grand Slam.
“Honestly, it feels incredible, but I also know the job’s not done yet. I’m just thrilled with today’s performance and this win,” Sabalenka said.
“She’s the toughest opponent – especially on clay, and especially here at Roland Garros. I’m proud that I managed to get the win. It was a tricky match, but I pulled through and I’m super proud of myself.
“I’m glad I found my serve again – it made things a bit easier. I mean, 6-0 ... what can I say? It doesn’t get more perfect than that.”
Coco Gauff. Photo: Roland Garros/Cédric Lecocq/FFT
In the second semi-final, world number two Coco Gauff cruised through her match against French local favourite, Loïs Boisson, winning in straight sets.
The 21-year-old American needed just over an hour on court to dispatch Boisson 6-1, 6-2, securing her spot in the final.
Gauff said her strategy had always been to start strong against an opponent who had impressed at her home Grand Slam.
“It’s always the plan to start strong, but I knew it was especially important today. Loïs is obviously an incredible player. She’s proven during this tournament that she’s one of the best in the world, especially on clay,” said Gauff.
“I’m sure we’ll have many more battles in the future – hopefully here again. Congrats to her on an amazing tournament. Today was just my day.”
Meanwhile, on Friday, attention turns to the men’s singles semi-finals. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz of Spain will face eighth seed Lorenzo Musetti of Italy, with their match scheduled to start at 14:30.
In the second semi-final, world number one Jannik Sinner takes on 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in what promises to be another blockbuster clash.
