Swiatek survives Rybakina scare to reach French Open Quarters, Alcaraz sets sights on last eight

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek mounted a sensational comeback on Sunday to defeat Elena Rybakina in a gripping fourth-round showdown at the 2025 French Open, keeping her quest for a historic fourth consecutive Roland Garros crown alive.

The Polish star, trailing by a set and a break, dug deep to pull off a hard-fought 1-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory over the big-hitting Kazakh on Court Philippe Chatrier.

The 24-year-old Swiatek is bidding to become the first woman since Suzanne Lenglen in 1923 to win four straight women’s singles titles at Roland Garros. With Sunday’s triumph, she extended her unbeaten run at the French Open to 25 matches, improving her record at the tournament to a remarkable 39 wins and just 2 losses.

A match that tested a champion’s resolve

Swiatek looked to be in real trouble early on as Rybakina, who had won both of their previous clay-court meetings, came out swinging. The Kazakh dominated the opening set with 12 winners, drawing comparisons to Jannik Sinner with her relentless pressure and power.

"Well, it was tough, you know. First set, I felt like I was playing against Jannik Sinner," Swiatek admitted. "I needed to do something to get back in the game, but with her playing like that, I didn’t feel like I had much hope."

Things worsened for Swiatek as Rybakina broke to start the second set. But the defending champion refused to fold. In vintage fashion, she reeled off five consecutive games to flip the set and shift momentum.

The third set saw both players exchange breaks, with Swiatek losing and regaining control. Down 5-4 and just one game from defeat, she broke Rybakina’s serve and composed herself to serve out the match, sealing one of the grittiest wins of her Grand Slam career.

Svitolina awaits in Quarter-Final Clash

Swiatek will now face Elina Svitolina in Tuesday’s quarter-final. The Ukrainian star also staged a comeback, defeating Jasmine Paolini last year’s losing finalist 4-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-1, saving three match points in a gripping opening encounter on Philippe Chatrier.

"I still cannot believe that this match finished my way," said a relieved Svitolina. “It was really tough for me but I’m very happy I was able to stay composed and fight until the very last point.”

This marks Svitolina’s fifth Roland Garros quarter-final as she continues her pursuit of a maiden Grand Slam final appearance.

Zheng advances, Sabalenka or Anisimova await

Elsewhere in the women’s draw, Zheng Qinwen reached her second Grand Slam quarter-final by outlasting Liudmila Samsonova in three sets: 7-6 (7/5), 1-6, 6-3 on Court Suzanne Lenglen. The Chinese eighth seed, also the reigning Olympic champion, has now won 10 straight matches at Roland Garros.

She awaits the winner of the clash between Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, and Amanda Anisimova, the 16th seed from the United States.

Alcaraz to face Shelton in highly-anticipated Round of 16 duel

Reigning French Open men’s champion Carlos Alcaraz will headline Sunday’s night session with a highly-anticipated fourth-round showdown against American powerhouse Ben Shelton.

The 21-year-old Spaniard, who owns four Grand Slam titles, overcame a minor scare in the third round before ousting Damir Dzumhur in four sets. Alcaraz’s dynamic game and title pedigree make him a tournament favorite, but he will face a stiff challenge from Shelton, who arrives fresh after defeating Matteo Gigante and receiving a walkover in the previous round.

"Playing the defending champion, round of 16… Centre Court, that’s a pretty cool opportunity, a pretty cool experience that not a lot of people get or see in their lifetime," said Shelton ahead of the match.

Tommy Paul awaits in the Quarters

Whoever emerges victorious between Alcaraz and Shelton will face Tommy Paul in the quarter-finals. The American 12th seed eased past Alexei Popyrin in straight sets — 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 — to reach the last eight of a major for the second time in his career.

As the 2025 French Open enters its business end, Iga Swiatek’s historic chase, Carlos Alcaraz’s title defense, and the emergence of players like Zheng and Shelton have added intrigue to a tournament that continues to deliver high drama and elite performances.