NEW DELHI: Iga Swiatek’s remarkable 26-match winning streak at the French Open came to a dramatic end on Thursday, but it wasn’t just Aryna Sabalenka’s dominant third set that left the world No. 5 frustrated. A key moment in the second set of their semifinal clash sparked controversy when chair umpire Kader Nouni denied Swiatek’s request to inspect a mark on the clay. Leading 4-2 in the second set with Sabalenka serving, Swiatek paused after a first serve that landed out and pointed to a mark, asking Nouni to come down. “I wanted him to come down, but he didn’t,” Swiatek said post-match. “I don’t think that was fair, especially when he came down every time Aryna asked him to. I don’t get it, but I don’t really care.”
Poland’s Iga Swiatek is reflected in a glass as she plays a shot against Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus during their semifinal match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Thursday, June 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
Though she attempted to challenge the call, Swiatek ultimately returned to her position with a frustrated smile. “He was convincing me that I only came because I saw my return was out,” she added. Despite taking the second set, Swiatek couldn’t maintain momentum. Sabalenka roared back to take the match 7-6 (1), 4-6, 6-0, earning her first win over Swiatek at Roland Garros and ending the Pole’s bid for a fourth straight title in Paris. The match, played under a closed roof due to rain, showcased Sabalenka’s growing versatility, especially on clay. Her error-free final set contrasted sharply with Swiatek’s 12 unforced errors. Sabalenka now advances to her first French Open final, where she’ll face either Coco Gauff or French sensation Loïs Boisson. As Swiatek reflects on missed opportunities and a moment of officiating controversy, Sabalenka marches on, focused but cautious. “The job is not done yet,” she said, eyeing her fourth Grand Slam title—and possibly her first on clay.
