French Open 2025 Highlights: Aryna Sabalenka Advocates for Equal Treatment in Tennis 🎾
Aryna Sabalenka has surged into the semi-finals of the French Open 2025, showcasing her prowess with a triumphant win over Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen. As the world No. 1 from Belarus, Sabalenka is set to face her fierce competitor, Iga Swiatek, a four-time French Open champion, for their 13th career match. Sabalenka is determined to claim her first title on the iconic clay courts of Paris, while Swiatek eyes her fifth.
Sabalenka’s Push for Equal Treatment in Tennis
Following her impressive victory, Sabalenka passionately called for equal treatment for female tennis players. Most importantly, she emphasized the need for more opportunities on the grandest stages of the sport. Despite her progress to the semi-finals, she noticed numerous empty seats during her match on Court Philippe-Chatrier, underscoring the female tennis visibility issues.
Sabalenka argued that female players deserve better visibility and equal treatment. “It would make more sense to schedule our matches later to attract more spectators,” she stated. “We have incredible battles that deserve the spotlight of a night session with more fans in attendance.” This aligns with the ongoing fight for equal prize money and treatment in tennis, a cause Sabalenka strongly supports.
Nevertheless, Sabalenka acknowledged the advantage of finishing her match earlier, which provided her extra preparation time for the upcoming semi-final. “It did feel like there was a good crowd, but more people could have watched if it was scheduled later,” she observed. “Still, I’m grateful for the extra half-day off to enjoy the city and prepare.”
Iga Swiatek Match Preview: A Rivalry Rekindled
Subsequently, Sabalenka will face Swiatek in their 13th encounter. Trailing 8-4 in their head-to-head record, Sabalenka recently overcame a three-match losing streak against Swiatek with a straight-sets victory in the Cincinnati semi-finals.
When asked about her evolving relationship with Swiatek, Sabalenka shared that it has improved significantly. Initially, their interaction was minimal, but now they enjoy a more amicable connection. “Initially, we had no communication or training sessions together, but things have improved,” she explained. “We now train together more often and engage in friendly activities, like participating in a TikTok video at the WTA Finals in Riyadh.”
Sabalenka is optimistic about their upcoming match, anticipating another thrilling contest. “We’ve had some big battles in the past, and I’m looking forward to this one. Our relationship has grown, and it should be a great match.” This rivalry highlights the importance of Grand Slam scheduling fairness in ensuring equal opportunities for female players.
In conclusion, the French Open 2025 is set to deliver exciting matches with Sabalenka and Swiatek at the forefront. Sabalenka’s advocacy for equal treatment and visibility issues continues to resonate within the tennis community, pushing for greater equality and fairness in the sport.
