Record-chasing Swiatek sets up Sabalenka semifinal clash

Four-times champion Iga Swiatek of Poland swept aside Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina 6-1 7-5 on a windy day at the French Open on Tuesday to earn a semifinal spot and stay in the hunt for a record-breaking victory in Paris

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The 24-year-old, who accept ed a one-month doping ban late last year, is looking to become the first woman in the professional era since 1968 to win four consecutive titles in Paris.

Although she failed to win a title going into the French Open this season, she looks to have rediscovered her remarkable claycourt form in Paris.

She will next play world num ber one Aryna Sabalenka in a mouth-watering semifinal after the Belarusian beat China’s Zheng Qinwen in straight sets.

“I should have had better inten sity in the beginning of the second set,” Swiatek said in a post-match interview. “When I saw my inten sity go low I got it high again. I am happy I did it at the end of the set.

"Against Aryna it is always a challenge. She has a game for every surface. I have to do the work, be brave with my shots and go for it. She is having a great season.

“I will not lie. It will be a tough match but am happy for the chal lenge,” she said.