Coco Gauff ended the run of French wildcard Lois Boisson to book a Roland Garros final against World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
Gauff, World No 2, produced a ruthless performance to defeat Boisson, a player ranked some 300 places below her but who had beaten back-to-back top-10 opponents to reach the semi-finals on her grand slam debut.
The 21-year-old American withstood the home crowd and was clinical when break-point opportunities came around, securing what was ultimately a comfortable 6-1 6-2 victory as Boisson made too many unforced errors.
Gauff will play in her second French Open final when she faces Sabalenka, who ended Iga Swiatek’s reign with a 7-6 (7-1) 4-6 6-0 victory over the defending champion.
Gauff defeated Sabalenka to win her first grand slam title at the 2023 US Open. The Belarusian will play in her first Roland Garros final, which is guaranteed to produce a first-time women’s singles champion.
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French Open LIVE: Latest scores and updates
- Coco Gauff defeats Lois Boisson to reach French Open final for the second time
- Boisson, the World No 361, was first wildcard to reach French Open semi-finals in Open era
- Gauff will play World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka in Saturday's final, to crown a new champion
- Sabalenka through to first Roland Garros final after beating defending champion Iga Swiatek
Carlos Alcaraz vs Lorenzo Musetti start time: When is French Open semi-final?
21:00
,
Jamie Braidwood
Carlos Alcaraz looks to return to the French Open final when he faces Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti at Roland Garros.
Defending champion Alcaraz increased his winning run at the tournament to 12 matches with the “perfect” performance against Tommy Paul in the quarter-finals.
The 22-year-old Spaniard won his first French Open title when he defeated Alexander Zverev and a blockbuster could await with Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic on the other side of the draw.
Musetti, the eighth seed, will be the underdog as he looks to reach his first grand slam final. The 23-year-old had a brush with some controversy during his quarter-final win over Frances Tiafoe after kicking a ball at a line judge.
This will be the third time Alcaraz and Musetti have met on the clay this season, with Alcaraz winning the Monte Carlo final and beating the Italian in the Rome semi-finals.
Lois Boisson reflects on her run to the French Open semi-finals
20:49
,
Jamie Braidwood
“It's great to be in the semifinal, but then I'm a little disappointed about today's result. But [Coco Gauff] played really, really good. She was just too good for me today.
“She played really great. Like, I don't know how to say, but she played on the right and on the left and on the right. I just feel like I was running everywhere on the court today, so it was really tough.”
Coco Gauff talks about her mindsight ahead of the French Open final
20:44
,
Jamie Braidwood
Coco Gauff on how she will prepare mentally for facing Aryna Sabalenka in the French Open final, having lost her French Open final to Iga Swiatek in 2022.
“I think just realising how minuscule it is. Like everybody is dealing with way bigger things in life than losing a final.
“I'm sure there are hundreds of players that would kill to win or lose a final, so just knowing that, making me realise how lucky and privileged I am to be in this position.
“At first I thought it would be the end of the world if I lost, and you know, the sun still rose the next day. So knowing, regardless of the result, the sun will still rise.”
Iga Swiatek looks ahead after French Open defeat
19:25
,
Jamie Braidwood
“I think I already changed my mindset before this tournament. Like losing early in Rome gave me some time and perspective, so I wasn't really thinking about points here on this tournament.
“Obviously looking at the math, I lost many points right now, but I know that it doesn't really matter. Any of us can win these tournaments. We kind of start every tournament from the beginning. So I'm just going to try to do my job and focus on just getting progress and learning new stuff on grass right now.
“I love playing here, so for sure I'm happy that I was fortunate enough to play so many great tournaments here. Even this one, you know, I feel like I played better than weeks before. So for sure I'm just happy that I have this place to come back to every year and just try to push myself.”
Aryna Sabalenka: 'The job is not done yet'
19:01
,
Jamie Braidwood
Aryna Sabalenka after beating Iga Swiatek to reach the French Open final: “It was a big match, and it felt like a final, but I know that the job is not done yet, and I have to go out there on Saturday, and I have to fight.
“I have to bring my best tennis, and I have to work for that title, especially if it's going to be Coco. I'm ready. I'm ready to go out, and I'm ready to fight. And I'm ready to do everything it's going to take to get the win.”
Aryna Sabalenka ends Iga Swiatek’s reign with merciless destruction of French Open champion
18:22
,
Jamie Braidwood at Roland Garros
The reign is over. It’s a reality that will hit Iga Swiatek as brutally as a thumping forehand return from Aryna Sabalenka, who defeated the French Open champion 7-6 4-6 6-0 to reach her first Roland Garros final. This is a result that is as emphatic as the final-set scoreline represented: Swiatek’s fortress of Court Philippe-Chatrier was stormed; the dream of a record fourth title in a row left in the dust.
Coco Gauff reaches French Open final
18:14
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
So it’ll be Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka, just as it was for the American’s maiden grand slam title in New York in 2023 - that should be an absolute cracker on Saturday afternoon.
For Lois Boisson, this always perhaps felt one match too far, the strain and stresses of a first French Open showing in her game. She’ll be back - perhaps even better, which should worry the established elite.
Coco Gauff reacts after reaching the French Open final
18:09
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
“it’s always the plan to try to start strong. Lois is an incredible player and she’s proved she is one of the best players in the world, especially on clay. I’m sure we’ll have many more battles in the future, hopefully here. I know the crowd wanted her to win, but congratulations to her for an incredible tournament. Today just happened to be my day.
“This is my time playing a French player here during this tournament that I can remember. I was mentally prepared before the match that it was going to be 99 per cent for her, but I just tried to block it out. When the crowd was chanting her name, I was saying my name to myself! Just to psych myself out. You have to do that. It’s an incredible atmosphere to play in front of.
“The last final will help me. I was super nervous going into that final. There is still a lot more work to do, but I’m going to enjoy this one and tomorrow start the preparation for the final.”
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Lois Boisson 1-6, 2-6 Coco Gauff
18:05
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Ruthless. Relentless. Routine. An exhibition of clean and cutting tennis from Coco Gauff, off to the French Open final for a second time to take on Aryna Sabalenka.
The dream dies for Lois Boisson - but what fun it has been. This surely will be just the start of her journey, though there were too many errors today to ever have a hope.
Lois Boisson 1-6, 2-5 (15-0) Coco Gauff
18:01
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
A mighty noise as Philippe-Chatrier salutes Lois Boisson, taking the balls perhaps for the final time after this remarkable run. Can she conjure something? A delightful drop shot suggests maybe...
Lois Boisson* 1-6, 2-5 Coco Gauff
18:00
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
The end of the fairytale is nigh. Coco Gauff’s stride to the chair is purposeful - and she looks to be marching right into a final with Aryna Sabalenka, which could be a corker.
Lois Boisson 1-6, 2-4 Coco Gauff*
17:57
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Would you believe it? A mishit from Coco Gauff on her backhand looks bound for the clay in the tramlines but seems to stall suddenly, falling on the line. Three break points...one needed. Ruthless from the American, who really has played well here, never allowing Boisson or the crowd into it.
Lois Boisson* 1-6, 2-3 Coco Gauff
17:53
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
That’s the sort of moment that Lois Boisson needed to seize in this match. At 0-30 in Coco Gauff’s service game, space appears as Boisson sets her sights on a backhand down the line - but it’s a yard-or-so wide.
Here’s a shot, though, a break point eventually earned. And taken! You wouldn’t know it from a flat look on her face but that’s a huge moment for Lois Boisson, breaking back immediately.
Lois Boisson 1-6, 1-3 Coco Gauff*
17:50
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Lois Boisson digs herself out of danger from 0-30 after her 23rd unforced error, first a flurry of forehands and then a thunderous serve up the ‘T’ squaring affairs.
That’s good from Coco Gauff, though, nifty feet to get to a drop shot and then a spot of deception, opening the wrist to slice down the line as Boisson scurries across court. A looping backhand lands long - break secure.
Lois Boisson* 1-6, 1-2 Coco Gauff
17:44
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
What a point! A quite remarkable back and forth, both players contriving to lose it before finding their way back into the exchange. Boisson is convinced a Gauff shot is out but there’s a sliver of line caught, seemingly, and the American delivers some overhead punishment to finally take it after the Frenchwoman’s flow had been slowed. Although Hawkeye says that shot was out - poor fortune for Boisson.
The great judoka Teddy Riner, hero of Paris 2024 last year, is among the French faithful roaring on as Lois Boisson earns a break point, and then among those covering their eyes as she flaps a faulty forehand into the floor just in front of the net. Haphazard.
On serve we remain in the second.
Lois Boisson 1-6, 1-1 Coco Gauff*
17:38
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Much more like it. A hold to love, secured with a helping hand from the back of the line as Coco Gauff is bamboozled by a bad bounce off the chalk.
Lois Boisson* 1-6, 0-1 Coco Gauff
17:36
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
A sliced backhand three-quarters of the way up into the net is an inauspicious end to the opening game of the second set, and Lois Boisson rather trudges away as Coco Gauff’s hold is sealed. She needs something, anything, to latch on to.
Lois Boisson 1-6, 0-0 Coco Gauff*
17:33
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
A sluggish start, then, from Lois Boisson, perhaps looking slightly fatigued as she experiences the level required to go deeper and deeper at a grand slam for the first time. These will have been gruelling days, no doubt - can she rally? Coco Gauff has done a good job preventing chances for her to land her destructive forehand so far.
SET! Lois Boisson 1-6 Coco Gauff
17:30
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
There is some serious striking on show this evening. It can be easy to forget just how much power Coco Gauff can generate given the depth of her game otherwise, and her accuracy so far has been strong, playing with precision to almost every part of the court. Another break point earned...
And the set is seized! Lois Boisson bats one into the net and that’s that in 35 minutes - mightily impressive stuff from Gauff.
Lois Boisson* 1-5 Coco Gauff
17:25
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
It is absolutely hooning it down in Paris, the roof of Philippe-Chatrier taking a battering. They do say this court plays very differently when not exposed to the elements - if Lois Boisson can get the crowd going, it should be quite the atmosphere.
She’s definitely found her footing now, somehow retrieving a Coco Gauff overhead from the right corner but unable to repeat the trick as she crabs left. Gauff is a game away from the first set.
Lois Boisson 1-4 Coco Gauff*
17:21
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
A few clinks and clunks in Coco Gauff’s groundstrokes allow Lois Boisson to get on the board, finally. A deep exhale as she wanders over to the chair, a few nerves no doubt settled. Her game can clearly do damage but this is a big deficit to haul back.
Lois Boisson* 0-4 Coco Gauff
17:15
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
A chance for Lois Boisson. A double fault from Coco Gauff gifts the Frenchwoman two break points and brings the crowd to life, little so far for the Parisiens to rise for and thus the opportunity greeted with a mighty roar.
Wasteful! A ill-conceived drop shot falls some way shy of its intended target to squander the second of the two chances.
Biff! A belting backhand ends an elongated rally as Boisson shows off her strength on what is regarded as perhaps her weaker wing. But again the opportunity passes her by, a lob delivered with too much mustard by a woman of Dijon. Onwards.
A stroke of luck as Boisson’s slice forehand topples over the net cord. But a backhand is pushed wide and Gauff battles to a gutsy hold.
Lois Boisson 0-3 Coco Gauff*
17:06
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Come on, then, Lois, time to get going. A neat putaway above her head on the forehand side earns her a point in her second service game but Gauff has begun so, so well, dealing with the depth her opponent generates with aplomb. A block backhand is guided beautifully to the corner to help generate two more break points and the first is hers after yet more magnificent manipulation of the angles. The American is out of the blocks like a champion sprinter.
Lois Boisson 0-2 Coco Gauff*
17:03
,
Flo Clifford
The French crowd are on their feet as Boisson darts from one corner to another, painting the lines with some crisp groundstrokes.
But Gauff is equal to it, blasting a backhand winner past the 22-year-old.
She volleys in a deft shot, and holds to 15 as Boisson sends the ball sailing wide. A composed start by the American.
BREAK! *Lois Boisson 0-1 Coco Gauff
16:59
,
Flo Clifford
The chance goes begging as Gauff fires narrowly long for deuce.
Some entertaining rallies so far. Boisson nets, and Gauff secures the early break, forcing another error from the young Frenchwoman as she can’t get her slice to dip over the net.
An assured fist pump from Gauff.
*Lois Boisson vs Coco Gauff
16:57
,
Flo Clifford
A fabulous point to begin, both players charging across the court, before Gauff lobs a delightful ball over Boisson’s head.
Gauff gets plenty of power onto a wide serve, but her return is narrowly wide of the sideline. The umpire hops down for a quick check.
Both players have incredible reserves of power and are phenomenal athletes, so we should be in for a treat.
The 21-year-old does brilliantly to latch onto another wide serve, but Boisson executes a perfectly weighted, backspin-heavy drop shot that has her beaten.
But Gauff has an early break point chance as Boisson can’t quite get the angle on a lob.
*Lois Boisson vs Coco Gauff
16:54
,
Flo Clifford
The warm up is complete, Gauff looking relaxed, Boisson impassive.
The Frenchwoman to serve first.
*denotes current server
Lois Boisson vs Coco Gauff
16:52
,
Flo Clifford
No rest for the wicked out on Philippe-Chatrier, as we’re going straight into the second semi-final.
World No. 361 and wildcard Lois Boisson is up against world No. 2 and second seed Coco Gauff, a US Open champion and former finalist here.
Boisson has had a fairytale run at her home slam, a year on from an ACL injury which wrecked her chances of competing as a wildcard here.
But she’s up against a tough and experienced competitor here - although having beaten two top-10 opponents in a row, the home crowd will be backing her to cause another upset.
Lois Boisson: Winning the French Open a 'dream'
16:51
,
Jamie Braidwood
Lois Boisson says she is dreaming of winning the French Open title and is not satisfied with reaching the semi-finals after the wildcard continued her breakthrough Roland Garros run.
The 22-year-old, who is making her grand slam debut a year on from rupturing her ACL, stunned sixth seed Mirra Andreeva 7-6 (8-6) 6-3 to set up a semi-final clash with Coco Gauff in Paris.
Boisson came into the tournament ranked 361st in the world but is now the first player to reach the semi-finals at Roland Garros as a wildcard in the Open era.
“I think every kid who plays tennis has the dream to win a grand slam,” Boisson said. “More for French players to win Roland Garros, for sure. It's a dream. For sure I will go for the dream, because my dream is to win it, not to be in the semi-final. So I will try to do my best.”
Coco Gauff prepared be French Open villain against Lois Boisson
16:51
,
Jamie Braidwood
Coco Gauff is prepared to face the hostile French Open fans as she takes on wildcard Lois Boisson in the semi-finals and says she has overcome difficult crowds in the past.
“I think there are two ways I have done it,” the 21-year-old said. “Either, A, just pretend they're cheering for you, and B, just using it and not letting that get to you. I have been in crowds where they are 99% for me, so I don't have an issue with it.
“I hope everyone will be respectful and things. If not, it's cool. I think, you know, it makes sports exciting, and I can't get irritated at the fact that someone is rooting for their hometown hero, because I would do the same.
“I think it's just something that I will mentally prepare for if it were to happen and expect and be ready for.”
Aryna Sabalenka beats Iga Swiatek 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-0
16:50
,
Flo Clifford
Aryna Sabalenka beats Iga Swiatek 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-0
16:45
,
Flo Clifford
A bit more from a very smiley Sabalenka.
Asked about her phenomenal 20-minute final set, she says, “I’m glad that I found my serve and it was a bit easier with the serve. 6-0, what can I say, it couldn’t be more perfect than that.”
Mats Wilander asks if she’ll be watching tonight’s second semi-final, between Coco Gauff and French wildcard Lois Boisson. Sabalenka says her team will watch tonight and they’ll analyse it together tomorrow.
“It’s another great semi-final, enjoy guys! I’m pretty sure you guys are going to be cheering for one person like crazy, I’m not sure I really want her to win!” she jokes.
With a final “merci beaucoup,” she heads off to take selfies with fans before taking her leave. A brilliant performance from her, particularly in that stunning final set, but she had a big helping hand from Swiatek’s total collapse.
Aryna Sabalenka beats Iga Swiatek 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-0
16:40
,
Flo Clifford
Let’s hear from the winner, three-time major champion and first-time French Open finalist Aryna Sabalenka.
“Honestly it feels incredible but also I understand the job is not done yet,” she tells Mats Wilander on court. “I’m just thrilled with the performance today, with the atmosphere in the stadium, you guys are - I don’t know, just thank you so much for the atmopshere you bring, because it makes us feel amazing.
“She’s the toughest opponent, especially on the clay, especially at Roland-Garros. I’m proud I was able to get this win. It was a tricky match but I managed it somehow.”
Aryna Sabalenka wins 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-0
16:35
,
Flo Clifford
Sabalenka has let out plenty of emotion in this match but simply grins in delight as she books her spot in the final.
The pair exchange a hug at the net and a chastened-looking Swiatek waves to the crowd before swiftly walking off court.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! *Iga Swiatek 6-7, 6-4 0-6 Aryna Sabalenka
16:31
,
Flo Clifford
And another brilliant cross-court forehand seals it!
Swiatek’s 26-match winning streak at the French Open comes to an end, and Sabalenka is into her first ever Roland-Garros final!
We are guaranteed a first-time champion at the weekend.
*Iga Swiatek 6-7, 6-4 0-5 Aryna Sabalenka
16:30
,
Flo Clifford
Shouts of “Come on Iga!” ring out as Swiatek steps up to avoid being on the receiving end of a bagel.
She gets a point on the board, ending Sabalenka’s streak of nine in a row, but her serve is collapsing and she double faults for 15-15.
The rallies are down to two shots at this point, serving Sabalenka perfectly. A glorious return walloped into the open court brings up two match points.
Iga Swiatek 6-7, 6-4 0-5 Aryna Sabalenka*
16:27
,
Flo Clifford
Swiatek is racking up the unforced errors, producing yet more as Sabalenka’s serve continues to obliterate the Pole’s defences.
Swiatek simply cannot get the ball back into play and with four great serves, Sabalenka races to a love hold and is just one game from a maiden Roland-Garros final.
BREAK! *Iga Swiatek 6-7, 6-4 0-4 Aryna Sabalenka
16:25
,
Flo Clifford
Swiatek extends the rally, digging deep, and it feels finely balanced - but the ball floats long again and that’s the double break for Sabalenka!
16 of 21 points in this third set have gone her way.
*Iga Swiatek 6-7, 6-4 0-3 Aryna Sabalenka
16:24
,
Flo Clifford
Swiatek is sent sliding around the baseline and overcooks a cross-court forehand, before another error as she sails wide.
It feels like the wheels are coming off this particular wagon. 0-30. The crowd, and her box, try to gee her up.
But Sabalenka attacks her serve return and Swiatek sends it flying wide... three break points.
Iga Swiatek 6-7, 6-4 0-3 Aryna Sabalenka*
16:21
,
Flo Clifford
The players have new balls for this game, which didn’t serve Sabalenka well last time, with her tendency to overhit only emphasised by them.
But her first serve percentage is way up in this set and she has zero unforced errors so far, compared to six for Swiatek in these two and a half games.
A couple of big booming serves are pushed wide by the Pole, before she jumps on a second serve.
But a nice one-two by Sabalenka, blasting through Swiatek and redirecting her once again, seal the hold to 15.
*Iga Swiatek 6-7, 6-4 0-2 Aryna Sabalenka
16:18
,
Alex Pattle
Strong opening serve from Swiatek, to the body, and Sabalenka’s return goes nowhere.
Swiatek then double-faults but goes to check the clay after the second serve, believing she caught the line. The umpire, down from his chair, says she did not. 15-15.
Powerful groundstrokes from both women until a wonderfully deft drop shot on the backhand by Sabalenka... which Swiatek somehow reaches! She even forces Sabalenka to miss with her reply!
Swiatek’s turn to miss, as she nudges a backhand just long. 30-30.
Another backhand error from Swiatek, who again reaches a drop shot but this time can’t beat the net! Break point to Sabalenka...
Each player pummels a few forehands, and it’s Sabalenka who wins out! Swiatek nets to give up a break at a bad time...
Iga Swiatek 6-7, 6-4 0-1 Aryna Sabalenka*
16:13
,
Alex Pattle
Sabalenka gets off to a good start but nets a forehand on the Ad side, grimacing at the miss. 15-15.
Swiatek then moves the Belarusian around nicely but drags a backhand into the net when she looked to be in control. 30-15
Swiatek’s next backhand is much better, though, a passing-shot winner down the line after reaching a drop shot by Sabalenka. 30-30.
Sabalenka brings up game point with a magnificent forehand, a winner just inside the baseline while crouching low! 40-30.
Bigggg serve out wide, and Swiatek’s return floats well wide. Good hold by Sabalenka.
SECOND SET: *Iga Swiatek 6-7, 6-4 Aryna Sabalenka
16:07
,
Flo Clifford
Sabalenka has barely had a look-in on Swiatek’s serve in this set and she shouts at herself in annoyance as she dumps another forehand into the net, having got herself in control of the rally.
She goes for the drop shot again but it’s tamely into Swiatek’s strike zone and the Pole reacts quickly to volley past her.
Sabalenka overhits again, Swiatek digs in and a sweet net volley means we’re going to a decider!
Iga Swiatek 6-7, 5-4 Aryna Sabalenka*
16:03
,
Flo Clifford
Hawk Eye technology indicated that Swiatek was actually right about that contentious line call, which the umpire didn’t fancy getting down to check.
Sabalenka wins the first point on her next service game but plays a dreadful shot on a high ball, slamming it almost at head height out of the court.
Another late call from the umpire indicates that a Swiatek return was out - this one is correct.
A lovely disguised drop shot by the Belarusian and a booming serve help her to a hold to 15. She must break to avoid a decider.
*Iga Swiatek 6-7, 5-3 Aryna Sabalenka
15:59
,
Flo Clifford
The crowd is significantly less partisan than it will be for the second semi-final. It feels like they’re marginally behind the four-time champion - and no doubt want to see a decider - but enthusiastically applaud both players.
They certainly enjoy a brilliantly anticipated point by Sabalenka, hitting a great drop shot before holding firm in the centre of the court to whack in the resulting volley.
A lovely serve-and-volley puts Swiatek 40-15 up, and she holds once more as Sabalenka hits long.
Iga Swiatek 6-7, 4-3 Aryna Sabalenka*
15:55
,
Flo Clifford
Swiatek goes for a Carlos Alcaraz-style return, flinging her racquet at the ball - or rather, getting it knocked out her hand by the sheer force of Sabalenka’s serve.
Now the Pole gets in a scrap with the umpire over a ball-mark; Kader Nouni tells her she’s both got the wrong mark, and waited too long before challenging.
Swiatek overcooks a second serve return and that’s another love hold for the world No. 1. Toe to toe at the moment.
*Iga Swiatek 6-7, 4-2 Aryna Sabalenka
15:51
,
Flo Clifford
Swiatek is serving much better in this set, and gets to 40-15 with a neat backhand down the line beyond Sabalenka’s reach, her 13th backhand winner so far.
A smash at the net seals another confident hold.
Iga Swiatek 6-7, 3-2 Aryna Sabalenka*
15:48
,
Flo Clifford
Some much stronger serving by Sabalenka, and an unforced error by Swiatek into the net, help the world No. 1 to a businesslike hold to love.
*Iga Swiatek 6-7, 3-1 Aryna Sabalenka
15:45
,
Flo Clifford
Sabalenka gets lucky with a net cord, the ball just dropping and dying on Swiatek’s side of the court.
But Swiatek responds with her first ace of the match, grazing the line by a millimetre, much to Sabalenka’s surprise as chair umpire Kader Nouni confirms it was in.
An absolutely majestic drop shot by Swiatek, venturing uncharacteristically far up the court, and another lovely, delicate drop shot secure the hold. Her best service game by far.
BREAK BACK! Iga Swiatek 6-7, 2-1 Aryna Sabalenka*
15:40
,
Flo Clifford
10 breaks of serve so far in this match and three wild mishits by Sabalenka in this game mean we’re on course for an 11th. Swiatek has three break points.
A dreadful game by the Belarusian ends with yet another error as Swiatek hangs on in a rally, her opponent thumping the ball wide under little pressure.
BREAK BACK! *Iga Swiatek 6-7, 1-1 Aryna Sabalenka
15:37
,
Flo Clifford
A superb forehand down the line at full stretch by Sabalenka applies some early pressure on Swiatek’s serve.
Swiatek is looking calm, though, and a couple of unforced errors from her opponent will do nicely to settle any nerves.
But then she produces two unforced errors of her own and Sabalenka has the chance to break back... and a third hands it over! Swiatek flings her towel down in frustration.
BREAK! Iga Swiatek 6-7, 1-0 Aryna Sabalenka*
15:33
,
Flo Clifford
She dials up the aggression and wallops in a forehand winner for deuce.
But Swiatek has the edge in terms of movement and hangs patiently in a rally to give herself another chance to break.
Once again she finds the width in the court and with Sabalenka scrambling, she seals it!
SECOND SET: Iga Swiatek 6-7 Aryna Sabalenka*
15:30
,
Flo Clifford
After one of Swiatek’s trademark long bathroom breaks, both players are back on court and ready to resume.
Sabalenka has a couple of wobbles on serve and, from way out in the tramlines, blasts wide to gift Swiatek an early chance to break.
FIRST SET! Iga Swiatek 6-7 (1-7) Aryna Sabalenka*
15:21
,
Flo Clifford
Another error from Swiatek and Sabalenka wraps up a mammoth first set. She’ll be annoyed at how close it was, but she’s halfway into the final.
Both players leave the court at the break.
TIEBREAK: Iga Swiatek 6-6 (1-6) Aryna Sabalenka*
15:20
,
Flo Clifford
Set points Sabalenka as Swiatek misses big on a second serve.
TIEBREAK: Iga Swiatek 6-6 (1-5) Aryna Sabalenka*
15:19
,
Flo Clifford
Fully in control, Sabalenka tries to mix things up with a drop shot, but Swiatek is so quick and makes it with ease, sealing the point with a nifty cross-court volley.
A second time, though, she hits it wide.
Sabalenka builds on her lead with a venomous ace. She’s 5-1 up at the change of ends.
TIEBREAK: Iga Swiatek 6-6 (0-3) Aryna Sabalenka*
15:16
,
Flo Clifford
First blood Sabalenka as Swiatek can’t get to a thumping backhand return.
The Belarusian is having a lot more luck trying to redirect Swiatek in the centre of the court and planting the ball in behind her; it’s a pattern that works again here.
She takes a 3-0 lead as Swiatek nets.