The 2025 French Open has reached a fever pitch, and the women’s quarter-final matchup between Aryna Sabalenka and Qinwen Zheng is shaping up to be a blockbuster. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, a powerhouse known for her relentless aggression and thunderous groundstrokes, has vowed to seek “revenge” against rising star Qinwen Zheng in their clash on June 3, 2025, at Roland Garros. The Belarusian’s fiery comments come on the heels of a stinging defeat to Zheng in the Italian Open quarter-finals in May 2025, where the Chinese phenom outplayed her 6-4, 6-3 on the clay courts of Rome. Now, with a spot in the French Open semi-finals on the line, Sabalenka is determined to settle the score.
Sabalenka’s journey to the quarter-finals has been a display of her trademark intensity. She overcame a tough challenge from American Amanda Anisimova in the fourth round, securing a 7-5, 6-3 victory to advance. The match showcased Sabalenka’s ability to combine brute force with tactical precision, a necessity on the slow, demanding clay of Roland Garros. Speaking after the match, Sabalenka didn’t shy away from addressing her upcoming opponent. “It’s always tough matches against her,” she said of Zheng. “She’s a great player. Of course, I expect a great battle. I want to get my revenge.” Her words carry the weight of a competitor who thrives on big moments and isn’t fazed by the pressure of a Grand Slam stage.
Qinwen Zheng, however, is no pushover. The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the brightest talents in women’s tennis, blending athleticism with a fearless playing style. Her victory over Liudmila Samsonova in the fourth round underscored her growing confidence on clay, a surface where she claimed Olympic gold in Paris in 2024. That triumph, coupled with her recent win over Sabalenka in Rome, has given Zheng a psychological edge, even if Sabalenka holds a commanding 6-1 head-to-head record, including a straight-sets win in the 2024 Australian Open final.
The upcoming match promises to be a clash of contrasting styles. Sabalenka’s aggressive baseline game will test Zheng’s defensive prowess and counterpunching ability. While Sabalenka’s power often overwhelms opponents, Zheng’s ability to absorb pace and redirect shots could make this a chess match as much as a slugfest. The Parisian crowd, known for its passion, will undoubtedly amplify the drama.
For Sabalenka, this match is about more than just advancing; it’s about reclaiming dominance over a rival who dared to challenge her. For Zheng, it’s a chance to prove her Rome victory was no fluke and to cement her status as a Grand Slam contender. As the two prepare to face off, the tennis world waits with bated breath for what could be one of the defining moments of the 2025 French Open.
