The action at Roland-Garros 2025 continued to deliver thrilling encounters as several players booked their spots in the quarter-finals.
Swiatek Survives Rybakina Thriller in Parisian Epic
In a Roland-Garros spectacle that will be etched in history, four-time champion and World No. 5 Iga Swiatek showcased her champion’s mindset, coming back from a set down to defeat the formidable Elena Rybakina (12) in a pulsating 1-6, 6-3, 7-5 encounter. This remarkable victory not only propels Swiatek into the quarter-finals but also ties her with Monica Seles for second on the all-time list for consecutive wins at Roland-Garros with 25.
Rybakina’s Early Onslaught
The match began with a seismic shock as Rybakina, the only player with multiple clay-court victories over Swiatek, unleashed a torrent of power that left the Pole reeling. “First set, I felt like I was playing against Jannik Sinner,” a candid Swiatek admitted after the match, highlighting the relentless pressure exerted by Rybakina. The Kazakh’s dizzying array of shots from both wings saw her dominate the opening set, breaking Swiatek’s serve to race to a commanding 5-0 lead before closing it out 6-1 in a mere 35 minutes.
The Turnaround: Finding a Way
As the second set commenced, the alarm bells continued to ring for Swiatek, with Rybakina claiming the first eight points and securing an early break for a 2-0 lead. However, a glimmer of hope appeared when Rybakina muffed an easy volley, handing Swiatek a crucial break-back for 2-2. This seemed to be the catalyst for the defending champion. Despite three double faults from game point up, Swiatek managed to hold firm to move ahead 3-2. From that moment, the imperious Swiatek began to find her rhythm, delivering an inspired performance. A break at love, punctuated by a curling forehand passing winner, put her up 4-2, completely shifting the momentum. “Elena really pushed me so I needed to do something to get back into the game,” Swiatek explained, reflecting on her mid-match adjustment.
A Decisive Third Set
The third set was a true battle royale, with both players trading blows at an incredibly high level. Swiatek bravely fought off three break points to hold for 3-all. A contentious overruled call denied Swiatek a crucial break for 5-4, but the Pole remained unfazed. In a match where the momentum swung like a pendulum, Swiatek “calmly waited for her next chance, and took it decisively when it came.” With her back against the wall, she kept her nerve, winning 12 of the final 15 points to seal a remarkable 7-5 victory in the decider. “It was not easy, but I think we both played pretty amazing tennis,” Swiatek remarked, acknowledging the epic struggle.
Swiatek now faces Elina Svitolina in the quarter-finals, with the dream of a historic fourth consecutive Roland-Garros title firmly within her sights. This victory, marked by resilience and unwavering determination, further solidifies her legacy as a true champion.
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Other Results of the Day
Paul Cruises into Quarter-Finals
American No. 12 seed Tommy Paul was the first to secure his quarter-final berth, making quick work of Australia’s Alexei Popyrin with a dominant 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 victory in just 1 hour and 51 minutes. This marks Paul’s deepest run in seven appearances at Roland-Garros, matching his quarter-final showings at Wimbledon and the Australian Open last year.
Svitolina’s Dramatic Escape
In a truly dramatic contest, Elina Svitolina pulled off an incredible comeback against fourth seed and 2024 runner-up Jasmine Paolini. The World No. 14 saved three match points, two at 4-5 in the second set and another deep in the tie-break to ultimately win 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-1. Svitolina, who expressed her disbelief on court, “I still can’t believe this match finished my way,” will now feature in her 13th Grand Slam quarter-final and fifth in Paris.
Zheng Qinwen Battles Through
While the Swiatek-Rybakina epic unfolded, eighth seed Zheng Qinwen emerged victorious from a 2-hour and 47-minute battle against Liudmila Samsonova, winning 7-6(5), 1-6, 6-3. The Chinese star’s tenacity earned her a quarter-final spot.
Sabalenka Powers On
Aryna Sabalenka, the World No. 1, booked her quarter-final ticket with a straight-sets victory over American Amanda Anisimova, 7-5, 6-3. Sabalenka, who sealed the win on her eighth match point with a backhand winner, remains firmly on course for her maiden Roland-Garros title.
Alcaraz Overcomes Shelton Test
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz navigated a high-quality fourth-round encounter against the dangerous Ben Shelton, prevailing in four sets: 7-6(8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. Alcaraz will undoubtedly be pleased, and perhaps a touch relieved, to have closed out the match in four sets, especially after Shelton squandered three set points in the first set.
Also Read: Roland Garros Day 7: ‘Full House’ in the WTA as All Top 8 Seeds Advance to Round 4