Resolute Sabalenka ends Swiatek's 26-match winning streak in Paris

An Aryna Sabalenka match often sees her engage in constant animated chatter with her player box. Thursday was no different.

- Shahid Judge

MUMBAI: An Aryna Sabalenka match often sees her engage in constant animated chatter with her player box. Thursday was no different.

From being a point away from leading 5-1, she was trailing 5-4 against Iga Swiatek.

The complaints grew longer. But then she started to chatter to herself. "Come on, fight," she said. Time and again.

And she did.

The French Open semi-final was pegged as a delicious encounter between world No.1 Sabalenka and the three-time defending champion Swiatek. Between them, they had won seven of the last 12 Grand Slams and were two of the most dominant players in this era of women's tennis.

This was the final before the final. Both had something to prove.

But under the closed roof of Court Philippe Chatrier in rainy Paris, Sabalenka managed to get the better of Swiatek 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-0.