In a rematch of last year’s final, world No.1 Iga Swiatek cruised past Coco Gauff 6-4 6-2, extending her perfect head-to-head record against the American to 7-0 and wrapping up the semifinal lineup at the 2023 French Open.
After an exchange of breaks, Swiatek and Gauff were leveled at 3-3, but the Pole executed her second love break to win the first set 6-4. Having entered the match with the odds stacked against her, this was a confidence-shattering start for the sixth-seeded Gauff. From 2-2 in the second set, the defending champion eased through the next four games and clinched victory on her first match point as the young American netted a forehand.
The top-seeded Swiatek will next face first-time Grand Slam semifinalist Beatriz Haddad Maia, who upset Ons Jabeur earlier on Wednesday. The other Roland Garros semifinal will be contested between second seed Aryna Sabalenka and Karolina Muchova.
In order to retain her No.1 WTA ranking, which she has held for 62 consecutive weeks, Swiatek will have to progress one match further that Sabalenka at the 2023 French Open. Right now they’re both in the semifinals, so Swiatek should at least reach the final to keep her top position. If Sabalenka advances to the final, Swiatek will have to win the title in order to hold on to No.1.
