At the iconic Roland Garros stadium in Paris, the 2025 French Open women's singles semi-finals have delivered a thrilling spectacle, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated final showdown. World number one Aryna Sabalenka has secured her place in the final after a pulsating three-set victory over the four-time defending champion Iga Swiatek, while the second semi-final between American star Coco Gauff and French wildcard Lois Boisson is unfolding with high drama and intense crowd energy.
Sabalenka’s triumph over Swiatek was a landmark moment in this tournament. The Belarusian powerhouse clinched a 7-6 (7-1), 4-6, 6-0 victory on June 5th, 2025, ending Swiatek’s astounding 26-match winning streak at Roland Garros. This win marks Sabalenka’s first appearance in a French Open final and her fifth Grand Slam final in the past seven tournaments, underscoring her consistent presence at the pinnacle of women’s tennis.
The match was a rollercoaster of momentum swings, played under the closed roof of Court Philippe-Chatrier due to rainy weather conditions in Paris. Sabalenka started strong, quickly building a double-break lead in the first set, utilizing her aggressive baseline game and powerful returns to pressure Swiatek’s serve. The intensity of their rivalry was evident as both players exchanged breaks, with the first set ultimately decided in a tiebreak dominated by Sabalenka’s precision and power.
Swiatek, known as the 'Queen of Clay', fought back resiliently in the second set. She improved her serve percentage from 54% in the first set to 76%, mixing up her play with longer rallies and tactical variety that unsettled Sabalenka and allowed her to claim the set 6-4. However, the final set was a masterclass from Sabalenka. She delivered a flawless performance, not committing a single unforced error and breaking Swiatek’s serve multiple times to win the set 6-0. This emphatic finish highlighted Sabalenka’s dominance and marked a stunning end to Swiatek’s reign at Roland Garros.
Sabalenka reflected on her victory, stating, “It feels incredible but the job is not done yet. I'm thrilled with my performance. Iga is the toughest opponent, especially at Roland Garros, and I'm proud I managed to get this win.” Her poise and focus were evident throughout, as she maintained composure even when the match became tense, especially after a controversial net-cord call in the first set that could have shifted momentum.
Swiatek’s defeat was a significant upset. The 24-year-old Polish star had been aiming to become the first player in the Open era to win four consecutive French Open women’s singles titles, a feat that would have further cemented her legacy. Despite the loss, her performance reminded fans of her exceptional skill and competitive spirit, particularly in the second set where she demonstrated her tactical adaptability and fighting qualities.
Meanwhile, the second semi-final features a fascinating contrast of experience and fairy-tale narrative. American second seed Coco Gauff, a 21-year-old with a US Open title under her belt from 2023 and three Roland Garros semi-final appearances in four years, faces French wildcard Lois Boisson, 22, who has captured the hearts of the home crowd with her incredible run. Boisson, ranked 361st in the world and making her Grand Slam main draw debut, has become the first wildcard to reach the Roland Garros semi-finals in the Open era and the lowest-ranked slam semi-finalist in 40 years.
Boisson’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable, especially considering she returned from a serious ACL injury suffered just a week before last year’s French Open. Her resilience and hard work have been rewarded with this breakthrough performance, and the crowd has shown immense support, giving her a huge reception compared to the more muted applause for Gauff.
On June 5th, Gauff took command early in the match, breaking Boisson’s serve in the opening game and maintaining relentless pressure. She secured the first set 6-1 in 35 minutes, showcasing her powerful forehand, precise groundstrokes, and tactical acumen. Despite Boisson’s spirited attempts, including two break points at 0-4 in the first set, she was unable to convert those opportunities. The atmosphere was electric, amplified by the rain battering the roof of Philippe-Chatrier, which heightened the intensity of the encounter.
Commentator Chris Evert noted, “It’s not a good match-up for Boisson. There’s really nothing she can do to hurt Coco with her game. Coco is such a great retriever and attacker.” Boisson’s heavy topspin forehands and sliced backhand create high bounces on the clay, which paradoxically complement Gauff’s extreme forehand grip, enabling the American to handle low balls effectively.
Boisson remains undeterred by the scoreline, expressing her ambition and grounded perspective: “I think every kid who plays tennis has the dream to win a grand slam. More for a French player to win Roland Garros, for sure. I will go for the dream because my dream is to win it, not to be in the semi-final. So I will try to do my best for it.” Her breakthrough run is a testament to years of hard work and determination, especially following her rehabilitation journey.
As the match progresses, the crowd’s support for Boisson grows louder, chanting her name and rallying behind the home hope. Gauff, experienced and composed, is aware of the challenge posed by the French wildcard and the passionate crowd. The match promises to be a gripping contest that will decide who faces Sabalenka in the final.
The upcoming final on Saturday, June 7th, 2025, will feature Sabalenka against either Gauff or Boisson. Sabalenka, who has already won three Grand Slam titles on hard courts, is now eyeing to complete the third leg of a career Grand Slam by capturing her maiden French Open title. Gauff, with her youthful energy and proven Slam-winning pedigree, is a formidable opponent. Meanwhile, Boisson’s fairy-tale run has captured the imagination of tennis fans worldwide, offering a thrilling narrative of resilience and homegrown talent.
This French Open has been a tournament of surprises, intense competition, and remarkable stories. Sabalenka’s dethroning of the reigning queen Swiatek signals a shift in the women’s game, while Boisson’s unexpected rise adds a captivating subplot. As the action continues, tennis fans around the globe eagerly await the final clash that promises to be a fitting climax to a memorable event.
