Iga Swiatek is through to the last eight of the French Open as she bids for a fourth consecutive Roland Garros title next week.
The Polish performer has been the woman to beat at this Grand Slam for the last three years, and despite some players trying desperately hard, she’s proved an immovable object on the court.
Swiatek was given a real examination from Elena Rybakina on Sunday, however. She came through by two sets to one in the end, winning 1-6, 6-3, 7-5 in an entertaining match-up.
The 24-year-old hadn’t really been given a stern test prior to the match she played on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Sunday but there were definitely some causes for concern despite her victory over Rybakina.
Aryna Sabalenka should be very encouraged by latest Iga Swiatek performance
The two players with a number of Grand Slams between them are on a collision course to set up a blockbuster semi-final at the French Open, and Sabalenka might be encouraged by what she saw today.
During the first set, Rybakina really had Swiatek struggling with a dominant display using powerful shots that had the serial French Open winner looking for answers to the questions she was being asked.
Sabalenka is arguably more powerful on the court than Rybakina, and she will be encouraged to see Swiatek struggle so much on that side of the game in the early exchanges of this last 16 clash.
The world number 12 Rybakina wilted at the end of the match, but Swiatek is going to have to address this situation if the semi-final with Sabalenka gets set up, as the world number one simply doesn’t dip her form during matches.
Sabalenka could make Swiatek pay if she doesn’t improve
It’s been a bit of a disjointed year for Swiatek in 2025, and she will be desperate to continue her dominance at Roland Garros in the coming days by taking home another title.
Sabalenka will be rubbing her hands together after today, however, with the player looking all over the place for the first set and half of the second set, before finally clicking into gear.
The player who has won five Grand Slam titles clearly can’t be discounted, given that the last three have gone her way – but there is definitely a weakness for her opponents to exploit that is evident at the moment.
Sabalenka prepares meticulously for her matches and if the pair do meet in the last four of the French Open, she could have lots of joy when it comes to overpowering Swiatek and it looks set to be a fascinating match if things go according to plan.
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