Iga Świątek showed her class in the French Open quarterfinals on Tuesday, comfortably dispatching 13th seed Elina Svitolina in straight sets and reaching her fourth consecutive semifinals at the event. Former American player and Coco Gauff’s ex-coach Brad Gilbert spoke highly of Świątek’s commanding form as she prepares to face World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals.
Brad Gilbert Lauds Iga Świątek Ahead of French Open Semifinal Encounter Against Aryna Sabalenka
The Pole came out firing against the Ukrainian, conceding just one game and taking the opening set 6-1. Although Svitolina held a 3-1 advantage in the second set, she couldn’t hold off Świątek’s resurgence. The defending champion rallied to clinch the set 7-5, booking a place in the final four.
Former player and current commentator Brad Gilbert described it as Świątek’s best showing in the clay-court slam. He also expressed keen anticipation for her upcoming match against Sabalenka.
“strong 💪 effort from Iga Pop straight setting double Lina, best she has looked all tournament 🏟️ now in the business end @rolandgarros vs Sable should be very interesting 🤨 on thursday @BastienFachan,” he wrote on X.
strong 💪 effort from Iga Pop straight setting double Lina, best she has looked all tournament 🏟️ now in the business end @rolandgarros vs Sable should be very interesting 🤨 on thursday @BastienFachan
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) June 3, 2025
Despite an underwhelming buildup with a quarterfinal finish in Stuttgart, a semifinal finish in Madrid, and a third-round exit in Italy, Świątek regained her signature clay-court form at Roland Garros. The 24-year-old is currently riding a 26-match winning streak at the event and is eying a fourth consecutive title.
Iga Świątek Outlines Her Approach for French Open Semifinal Clash with Aryna Sabalenka
Świątek is eager to face Sabalenka in the 2025 French Open semifinals. During her on-court post-match interview, the Pole fondly recalled her Madrid Open final victories over the Belarusian and shared her plans for their semifinal encounter on Thursday.
“Yeah I mean this Madrid Finals were probably one of the most exciting finals that I played. So I guess, Aryna it’s always a challenge. She has a game for every surface, so I need to just focus on myself, do the work, be brave with my shots, and just go for it, you know,” she said.
Sabalenka has enjoyed a dominant season, claiming titles at the Brisbane International, BNP Paribas Open, and Madrid Open. In contrast, this season has been seemingly underwhelming by Świątek’s standards, marked by consistent knockout exits and no titles to show.
“For sure, I’m going to prepare tactically tomorrow. But she’s been having great season so, I am not going to lie for sure it’s going to be a tough match. But I am happy for a challenge,” she added.
The Pole heads into Thursday’s encounter with an 8-4 head-to-head advantage over Sabalenka. This will also be their first-ever meeting at the French Open.
