The women’s singles semi-finals at Roland Garros promise an electric day of tennis, with blockbuster battles set to unfold under the Parisian skies.

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is set to lock horns with defending champion and four-time French Open winner Iga Swiatek in a showdown that feels more like a final than a semi. On the other side of the draw, wildcard sensation Lois Boisson will ride the wave of home support as she faces Coco Gauff, the 2022 runner-up and rising force in American tennis.

Sabalenka vs. Swiatek: A Rivalry Rekindled

In what is arguably the biggest match of the tournament so far, Belarusian powerhouse Sabalenka and Polish clay queen Swiatek will meet in a contest that could shift the balance of dominance in women’s tennis.

Sabalenka has built a reputation for consistency at the highest level, reaching nine semi-finals in her last ten Grand Slam appearances. The 26-year-old has added calm and composure to her fiery game, transforming her once-unsteady serve into a lethal weapon. Her commanding straight-sets win over Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen in the previous round showcased just how dialed-in she is.

But across the net stands a different beast—Iga Swiatek, the undisputed queen of Roland Garros with a 26-match winning streak on the Paris clay. Swiatek has had to dig deep this year, grinding out wins against top opposition like Elena Rybakina and Elina Svitolina, but her grit and familiarity with the red dirt keep her as the favorite.

Despite their fierce on-court battles, the two stars have warmed up to each other off the court. From shooting TikToks to sharing practice courts, there’s mutual respect—and rivalry.

“We’ve had a lot of great battles in the past … I’m super excited to go out there and to fight,” said Sabalenka, acknowledging how far their relationship has come.

Swiatek, who’s brushed aside the noise from last year’s short doping suspension, remains laser-focused on defending her title.

“At Roland Garros I should always push until the end and fight for everything,” she said. “Our rivalry is pushing both of us.”

Boisson’s Fairytale vs. Gauff’s Grand Slam Grit

The second semi-final features an underdog story that’s captured French hearts.

Ranked 361st in the world, Lois Boisson has defied all odds to reach the last four—her stunning victory over sixth seed Mirra Andreeva in the quarters has sent shockwaves through the tennis world. Now, the 21-year-old wildcard will face a major test against second seed Coco Gauff.

Gauff, known for her maturity and fight, is hunting for her second Grand Slam title and is unfazed by the prospect of playing against a French crowd that will be vocally behind Boisson.

“It makes sports exciting,” Gauff said. “I can’t get irritated at the fact that someone’s rooting for their hometown hero—I’d do the same.”

With a powerful forehand and improving net game, Gauff is the clear favorite—but in front of a roaring French crowd, Boisson will believe anything is possible.

Semi-Final Line-Up

🔹 Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) vs. Iga Swiatek (Poland)
🔹 Lois Boisson (France) vs. Coco Gauff (USA)

What’s at Stake

For Sabalenka, it’s a chance to conquer the clay and complete her Grand Slam collection with a maiden Roland Garros title. For Swiatek, it’s about extending her legacy at a venue she has practically made her own.

For Gauff, it’s a step closer to fulfilling her destiny as the next great American champion. And for Boisson, it’s a shot at rewriting French tennis history with a dream run from wildcard to champion.

Let the battles begin on the Parisian red clay.