MusaAryna Sabalenka just sent a loud message from Court Philippe-Chatrier: she’s not just swinging for the semis—she’s charging for the title. In a gritty, high-octane clash, the world No. 1 powered past China’s Zheng Qinwen to punch her ticket to the French Open semifinals, proving once again that her dominance isn’t limited to hard courts.
The matchup was billed as a heavyweight duel—and it delivered. Zheng, known for her relentless hustle and heavy forehand, didn’t back down for a second. She broke early, retrieved like a human wall, and forced Sabalenka to bring more than just raw power to the red dirt. But bring it she did.
Sabalenka’s signature aggression was on full display—sledgehammer groundstrokes, booming first serves, and that unmistakable roar after every critical point. But what made the difference? Control. The sometimes-erratic Belarusian kept her nerves in check, played the margins smartly, and adapted beautifully to Zheng’s changes in pace and direction. It wasn’t just brute force—it was tactical maturity.
This win marks yet another milestone for Sabalenka, who’s been on a tear in 2025. After conquering Melbourne and solidifying her status atop the WTA rankings, clay was the one surface where doubts lingered. Not anymore. With this gritty win, she’s now a legitimate contender for the Roland Garros crown—not just a top seed with top spin.
As for Zheng, her run to the quarters was nothing short of impressive. She showcased serious clay-court credentials and announced herself as a rising threat on the women’s tour. But this was Sabalenka’s moment.
With the semifinals now looming, the question is no longer “Can she do it on clay?” It’s “Who can stop her?” Because if this version of Sabalenka shows up again—disciplined, dialed in, and just wild enough to be dangerous—there may be no stopping her from lifting the Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen.
Get ready, Paris. The queen of power tennis is coming for the throne.
John Owolabi
Musa
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