On a gripping day at the Philippe-Chatrier court, Aryna Sabalenka, the world number 1, battles reigning champion Iga Swiatek in the French Open 2025 semifinals on Thursday, June 5, in Paris. The Belarusian, who clinched the first set 7-6(1), aims for her first final at the tournament, while the Pole seeks to solidify her clay-court dominance and chase a fourth title. On the other side of the draw, American Coco Gauff faces surprise French semifinalist Lois Boisson, an unseeded player making waves. Earlier, Italians Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori secured the mixed doubles title, defeating Americans Taylor Townsend and Evan King 6-4, 6-2. The Sabalenka-Swiatek match has seen nine breaks in 15 games, underscoring the fierce competition. Follow the details of this clash and the developments of day 12 of the tournament.
The match between Sabalenka and Swiatek kicked off with intense exchanges, marked by both errors and brilliance. The first set, decided in a tiebreak, showcased Sabalenka’s powerful serve, including a 185 km/h ace that gave her a 5-1 lead, sealing it at 7-6(1). Swiatek struck back, breaking Sabalenka’s serve early in the second set, using sharp angles and court width to shift momentum.
- Frequent breaks: Nine in 15 games, excluding the tiebreak, highlight the struggle to hold serve.
- Tactical variety: Sabalenka mixes slices and varied serves, while Swiatek relies on short and deep angles.
- High intensity: Long rallies and traded advantages define the match’s pace.
- Serve focus: Consistency in serving could prove decisive for the win.
Meanwhile, Coco Gauff, the world number 2, takes on France’s Lois Boisson, a surprising contender. The American aims to cement her status, while Boisson, unseeded, seeks to make history on home soil.
Titans clash at Philippe-Chatrier
Aryna Sabalenka stepped onto the court with an aggressive game, blending power and variety. Her serve shone in the tiebreak, with a standout 185 km/h ace disrupting Swiatek. The Belarusian, with three Grand Slam titles (Australian Open 2023 and 2024, and US Open 2024), shows growth on clay, a surface where she’s historically faced challenges. Adding slices and defensive plays, like a low backhand slice forcing her opponent to hit upward, elevates her approach. The world number 1 aims to break past the semifinals, reached in 2023, and secure a spot in the Paris final.
Iga Swiatek, meanwhile, showed resilience by breaking Sabalenka’s serve early in the second set. Known for precision and angles, the 23-year-old Pole hit forehands and backhands that stretched the court, pushing Sabalenka to move extensively. With four Grand Slam titles, three at Roland Garros, she aims to maintain her clay-court reign. Despite a shaky start, winning just 9 of 21 first-serve points in the opening set, Swiatek adjusted, reclaiming a break and keeping the pressure on.
Breaks and fierce rallies shape the match
The Sabalenka-Swiatek duel has seen ten service breaks, a striking stat reflecting the challenge of holding serve. In the first set, Sabalenka surged to 5-0, but Swiatek fought back, forcing a tiebreak. The Belarusian dominated with precise, varied serves, mixing power and topspin to unsettle her rival. In the second set, Swiatek turned the tide, breaking early and using angles to open the court.
Swiatek leads in four-shot rally points, 11 to 4, showing her unforced errors come early, often on the first or second ball after the serve. Sabalenka, meanwhile, won only 9 of 21 first-serve points in the first set, highlighting Swiatek’s return pressure. The Belarusian’s variety, with slices and defensive shots, contrasts with Swiatek’s aggressive baseline style, creating a captivating clash of approaches.
Tactical focus: serve and consistency in play
The serve plays a pivotal role in this match. Sabalenka impressed in the tiebreak with varied serves, including a powerful ace and shots to the T and sides. The speed and topspin troubled Swiatek, who struggled to respond. Yet, the Pole adjusted her returns, forcing errors from Sabalenka, who grew frustrated in a scoreless game with long shots.
- Sabalenka’s serve: Combines power, with 185 km/h aces, and tactical variety.
- Swiatek’s response: Precise returns and angles to open the court.
- Break frequency: Ten in 16 games underline the serving struggle.
- Variety: Sabalenka uses slices and defensive plays to surprise.
- Adjustments: Swiatek exploits width and depth to disrupt her rival.
The match remains tight, with both players vying for control in key moments. Holding serve and cutting unforced errors may decide the winner.
Coco Gauff versus surprise Lois Boisson
As Sabalenka and Swiatek battle, Coco Gauff faces France’s Lois Boisson in the other semifinal. The 21-year-old American, runner-up at Roland Garros in 2022, brings experience and consistency, blending speed, solid defense, and powerful shots. She’s a tough opponent on clay.
Lois Boisson, the tournament’s surprise, has captivated the home crowd with upset wins over established names. The unseeded Frenchwoman’s versatile game and grit make her a threat. This matchup promises intrigue, with Gauff aiming for her second Grand Slam final and Boisson seeking a historic run in Paris.
Mixed doubles: Italian victory in Paris
Earlier, the French Open celebrated Italy’s Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori in the mixed doubles. Facing Americans Taylor Townsend and Evan King, the Italians won 6-4, 6-2, in a match defined by consistency and teamwork. Errani, a Grand Slam veteran, and Vavassori, with his aggressive style, controlled key points to claim the title.
The crowd cheered the duo’s solid performance, a win that underscores Italy’s rising tennis prowess. The result set the stage for the women’s singles semifinals, packed with high-stakes drama.
What lies ahead in the semifinals
The French Open semifinals roll on, with Sabalenka and Swiatek locked in a physical and tactical war at Philippe-Chatrier. The Belarusian’s power and variety challenge Swiatek’s clay-court mastery and precision. With frequent breaks and intense rallies, the match keeps fans on edge.
Meanwhile, Coco Gauff faces the test of Lois Boisson, backed by the home crowd and fueled by her stunning run. The American, seasoned on big stages, aims to advance. Both matches promise top-tier moments as players vie for glory on Paris clay.
Spotlight on the players
Aryna Sabalenka, 27, is at her career peak. With three Grand Slam titles and a strong 2025, she’s adapting to clay with variety and power. Iga Swiatek, with four Grand Slams, three at Roland Garros, excels on clay with consistency and tactics.
Coco Gauff, a 21-year-old star, blends speed and defense, while Lois Boisson, the tournament surprise, shines with versatility and resolve. The four bring unique styles, raising the semifinal stakes.
How to watch and follow
The French Open 2025 airs live in the U.S. on TNT, truTV, and Tennis Channel, with streaming on Max and Fubo, the latter offering a free trial. In the UK, coverage is on TNT and Discovery+. Fans can follow live, share thoughts, and cheer for their favorites.
The semifinals heat up, with Sabalenka and Swiatek in a gripping duel and Gauff facing Boisson’s challenge. Day 12 of the tournament promises unforgettable action.
