World number one Aryna Sabalenka will face three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek in a blockbuster French Open semi-final between two title contenders.
Sabalenka edged a tight quarter-final against China’s Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 on a blustery Court Phillippe Chatrier on Tuesday.
Poland’s Swiatek then came through 6-1 7-5 against Elina Svitolina to set up a fascinating last-four encounter.
Belarusian Sabalenka replaced fifth-ranked Swiatek as world number one in October last year.
The pair have met 12 times, with Swiatek leading the head-to-head 8-4 – but they have not met at a major since the 2022 US Open semi-finals.
Swiatek has won four of the past five Roland Garros titles, while Sabalenka is bidding for her first Paris trophy.
“Aryna has a game for every surface, so I need to focus on myself, do the work, be brave in my shots and just go for it,” Swiatek said.
“It is going to be a tough match, but I’m happy for the challenge.”