Defending champion Iga Swiatek is set to face off against Beatriz Haddad Maia from Brazil in the French Open semi-finals.
The top seed secured her spot after defeating Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-2 in a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s final.
Maintaining her dominance, world number one Swiatek extended her impressive record at Roland Garros to 26 wins and 2 losses, having emerged victorious in all seven of her previous encounters with Gauff.
The 22-year-old Polish player has her sights set on a third French Open title, aiming to accomplish a feat not seen since Justine Henin in 2007 – successfully defending the championship in Paris.
During the match, both players traded breaks in the fourth and fifth games.
However, Swiatek delivered a crucial blow by breaking Gauff’s serve while she was serving to stay in the first set.
Gauff, who had only managed to win four games in the 2022 final against Swiatek, made this contest a more closely fought battle.
Nevertheless, she was left to rue three missed opportunities to break Swiatek’s serve early in the second set.
Swiatek’s exceptional skills were on display as she claimed the final four games, solidifying her status as the youngest woman since Martina Hingis to reach three or more semi-finals at Roland Garros.
Reflecting on the match, Swiatek acknowledged the challenge, stating, “It wasn’t easy; the first set was really tight. Coco was really utilizing the conditions, so I was pleased to work through it and emerge victorious in this match.”
Notably, Swiatek has yet to drop a set in the entire tournament, showcasing her remarkable form.
