Sabalenka struggles past Swiatek for RG finals spot

Aryna Sabalenka  snapped out of a rut with a blistering final set to reach the French Open final 7-6 (1), 4-6, 6-0 as she ended the winning run of Iga Swiatek on Thursday.

Defending champion Polish fifth seed Swiatek had won four of the previous five editions at Roland Garros and came into the semi-final with victories in her last 26 matches here. She stands 40-3 over her Roland Garros career.

But after a pair of up and down sets – 11 total service breaks – The top seeded world No. 1 steadied to dominate the third set on the way to victory in just under two and a half hours..

Sabalenka, winner of her last five semi-finals at the Grand Slams, will play for the title on Saturday.

She takes on the winner from second seed Coco Gauff and French wild card Lois Boisson.

Sabalenka polished off the hard-fought victory with back-to-back service winners, her 27th and 28th of a grey afternoon.

“It feels incredible – but the job is not done yet,” Sabalenka said after reaching her first final here.

“I’m just thrilled with the performance today, with the win and the amazing atmosphere.”

The loss was only the third of her career at the tournament for Swiatek.

Sabalenka called the former No. 1 “the toughest opponent on clay, especially here” 

“I’m so proud to get this win. It was a streaky match. But I managed to win and I’m super proud of that now.”

She added: “I’m glad I found my serve in the third set. 6-0 – it cannot be more perfect than that..”

Main photo:- Aryna Sabalenka wins Semi-final by Roger Parker ISF Ltd