World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is set to face China’s Zheng Qinwen in the quarter-finals of the 2025 French Open, seeking to avenge her recent loss to the Olympic champion. The match, scheduled for Tuesday, promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the WTA’s top talents.
A Rivalry Renewed
Sabalenka and Zheng have developed a compelling rivalry on the tour. While Sabalenka holds a 6-1 advantage in their head-to-head meetings, Zheng secured her first victory over the Belarusian at the Italian Open earlier this year, defeating her on clay. This win has added an extra layer of intrigue to their upcoming clash at Roland Garros.
“She’s a great player. I’m expecting a real battle, and I’m really looking forward to this match. I want my revenge,” Sabalenka stated ahead of the quarter-final.
Sabalenka’s Dominant Run
Sabalenka has been in formidable form throughout the tournament, advancing to the quarter-finals without dropping a set. In her fourth-round match, she overcame Amanda Anisimova 7-5, 6-3, showcasing her powerful baseline game and mental resilience.
Her consistent performances have solidified her status as a top contender for the title, and she is determined to claim her first French Open crown.
Zheng’s Breakthrough
Zheng Qinwen, the eighth seed and reigning Olympic champion, has been making waves at Roland Garros. Her journey to the quarter-finals has been marked by impressive victories, including a hard-fought win over Liudmila Samsonova in the fourth round.
Reflecting on her previous matches against Sabalenka, Zheng acknowledged, “In our early matches, I think I gave her too much respect.” With newfound confidence and experience, she aims to challenge the top seed once again
Match Dynamics
The upcoming quarter-final will be a test of contrasting styles. Sabalenka’s aggressive play and powerful groundstrokes will be pitted against Zheng’s agility and tactical acumen. The clay surface adds another dimension, potentially favoring Zheng’s movement and shot selection.
Both players have demonstrated exceptional form, setting the stage for a high-quality contest. The match is scheduled to take place on Court Philippe-Chatrier, providing a grand stage for this anticipated showdown
The winner of this quarter-final will advance to the semi-finals, moving one step closer to the coveted French Open title. For Sabalenka, a victory would reinforce her dominance and bring her closer to completing a career Grand Slam. For Zheng, it would mark a significant milestone in her burgeoning career, potentially leading to her first major final.
As the tennis world watches with anticipation, Sabalenka and Zheng prepare to add another chapter to their growing rivalry at Roland Garros.
