Sports
French Open: Sabalenka Shatters Swiatek’s Dominance, Advances to First Clay Grand Slam Final
Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka dramatically ended Iga Swiatek’s reign at Roland Garros on Thursday, overcoming the Polish star’s 26-match winning streak at the French Open with a semifinal victory of 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-0. This triumph marks Sabalenka’s first appearance in a clay-court Grand Slam final.
In a tense matchup under the closed roof of Court Philippe-Chatrier, Sabalenka exhibited remarkable strength and composure, defeating the four-time champion in two hours and 19 minutes. With this win, the Belarusian notched her 40th main-draw victory of the 2025 season — the highest on tour — and secured her sixth Grand Slam final, more than any player in the 2020s.
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“This win means a lot,” Sabalenka stated. “Beating Iga here, where she has been nearly unbeatable, demonstrates how much progress I’ve made.”
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Swiatek, seeded No. 5, had not lost in Paris since 2021 and held an impressive 40-3 record at Roland Garros, securing titles in 2020, 2022, and 2023. However, she was outplayed by Sabalenka’s relentless aggression and precise play in the final set.
The first set was fiercely contested, with Sabalenka racing to a 3-0 lead through a double break, only for Swiatek to fight back to 5-5. The players exchanged four breaks in a dramatic hour-long duel, ultimately leading to a tiebreak where Sabalenka surged ahead. She executed crucial serves when needed, establishing a 5-1 lead and winning the tiebreak 7-1, marking a significant turning point.
Swiatek regrouped in the second set, hitting powerful forehands and effectively pushing towards the net. She secured an early break and held her ground, even blanking Sabalenka in the final game to take the set 6-4, keeping her title defense alive.
However, any momentum Swiatek had was swiftly erased in a whirlwind third set.
Sabalenka unleashed an impressive 22-minute performance, finishing with zero unforced errors, five winners, and converting all three break points. Swiatek struggled to respond to Sabalenka’s speed and accuracy, resulting in a final set score of 6-0.
This victory also avenged Sabalenka’s defeat against Swiatek in the 2022 US Open semifinal — their only previous Grand Slam meeting. With her appearances in the finals of the 2024 US Open, 2025 Australian Open, and now Roland Garros, she becomes the first woman since Serena Williams in 2016 to reach three consecutive major finals.
Sabalenka now awaits the winner of the second semifinal between World No. 2 Coco Gauff and French wildcard Lois Boisson in Saturday’s final.
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru created history in the Women’s Premier League by scoring the highest number of runs in the first over of a match. RCB scored a massive 23 runs in the opening over, setting a new WPL record.
This historic moment took place during the match against Gujarat Giants at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Gujarat Giants bowler Renuka Singh Thakur conceded 23 runs in the first over, making it the most expensive opening over in WPL history.
Renuka began the over with a wide delivery. The ball went past the wicketkeeper and crossed the boundary, resulting in five runs. RCB batter Grace Harris then took charge of the over. She smashed four consecutive boundaries, putting the Gujarat Giants under pressure.
During the over, Renuka Singh bowled two more wides, adding extra runs to the total. On the final delivery of the over, Grace Harris struck another boundary. This completed a dramatic and record-breaking first over for RCB.
With this, Renuka Singh Thakur recorded the most expensive first over ever bowled in the Women’s Premier League. The previous record was held by Tanuja Kanwar. She had conceded 21 runs in the first over while playing for Gujarat Giants against Mumbai Indians in the 2023 season.
In the same match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru batted first and put up a strong total. RCB scored 182 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. The team showed aggressive batting throughout the innings.
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Gujarat Giants chased the target but failed to keep up with the required run rate. They were bowled out for 150 runs in 18.5 overs. As a result, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the match by 32 runs.
This victory strengthened RCB’s position in the tournament and added a historic achievement to the Women’s Premier League records.
On the first day of the second Test between India and South Africa at Barsapara Stadium, South Africa made a strong start, reaching 247 for 6 at stumps.The venue, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, hosted its very first Test match in history — making the day special for Guwahati and cricket in Assam.
South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first.Their openers, Aiden Markram (38) and Ryan Rickelton (35), gave a solid start with a partnership of 82 runs.Later, Tristan Stubbs added 49 before getting out, while Bavuma made 41.
India fought back well thanks to a strong performance by spinner Kuldeep Yadav. He picked up 3 wickets and gave away only 48 runs in 17 overs.Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with an important wicket, dismissing Bavuma. In the final over before stumps, Mohammed Siraj struck, getting Tony de Zorzi out.At the end of play, Senuran Muthusamy was unbeaten on 25, and Kyle Verreynne was 1 not out.
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The light became a concern late in the day. As visibility dropped, play was stopped, and light issues forced the umpires to call it a day early.Overall, India ended Day 1 with a degree of satisfaction. The bowling attack showed discipline, especially through their spinners, and they managed to check the South African momentum.
India A began their Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 campaign with a huge total against the UAE in Doha. Captain Jitesh Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first. Vaibhav Suryavanshi then produced a stunning innings. He scored 144 runs from just 42 balls. His knock included 11 fours and 15 sixes.
Suryavanshi reached his fifty in 17 balls. He completed his century in only 32 balls. He added 163 runs for the second wicket with Naman Dhir, who made 34. Jitesh Sharma also played a quick innings and scored a fast fifty.
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India A finished at 297 for 4 in 20 overs. The team now holds a strong position in the match.
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