In a match full of surprises at Roland Garros, Aryna Sabalenka rewrote the playbook on clay by ending Iga Swiatek's 26-match winning streak. With every powerful swing and dynamic shot, Sabalenka proved her mettle on the slower red clay, shattering the notion that she was only a fast-court specialist. 🎾
The No. 1-ranked player triumphed in a thrilling three-set semifinal, winning 7-6 (1), 4-6, 6-0 and setting up an epic final clash with No. 2 Coco Gauff. This encounter marks the first title match in Paris between the world's top two women since 2013 and only the second such clash in 30 years.
Sabalenka, who disclosed that clay was once considered a weak spot in her game, now feels confident and energized by the surface: "It's going to mean everything to me and my team," she said. Her passion and reinvention on clay have opened a new chapter in her quest for a record fourth consecutive Grand Slam title.
On the other side, 21-year-old Gauff, fresh off defeating a spirited French wild-card entry, earned her spot in the final with an impressive performance that promises to deliver a final match loaded with excitement and high stakes.
Reference(s):
Sabalenka ends Swiatek's French Open reign, sets up final with Gauff
cgtn.com
