Sabalenka closes in on French Open semi-finals

World number one Aryna Sabalenka is set to continue her bid for a first French Open title on Wednesday as she moves into the Roland Garros semifinals, while Felix Auger-Aliassime will try to capitalize on an unexpectedly open men’s draw in pursuit of his first Grand Slam crown. Sabalenka, one of only two top-10 seeds left in the women’s tournament, has a strong chance to build on her runner-up finish at last year’s French Open. The Belarusian said she is focused on bringing her best level and avoiding overthinking the pressure that comes with being one of the favorites in Paris. She will face Russian 25th seed Diana Shnaider for the first time, with Sabalenka describing the 22-year-old as a difficult opponent who changes rhythm, moves well and serves strongly. In the other women’s quarterfinal, Russian 22nd seed Anna Kalinskaya will meet Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska, whose unlikely run has included victories over Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, 23rd seed Elise Mertens and former world number three Maria Sakkari. Chwalinska said she sees herself as the underdog regardless of the draw, noting that most players in the field are ranked above her and are expected to win. On the men’s side, the path to the final has opened dramatically after the exits of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, creating a rare chance for a first-time major winner. Auger-Aliassime, the highest-ranked player left in the top half of the draw, said the surprise departures created opportunities but emphasized that he must stay focused on his own matches. The Canadian has never before gone beyond the fourth round at Roland Garros, but now stands within reach of the semifinals. He next faces 10th seed Flavio Cobolli in the quarterfinals, and the winner will play either Matteo Berrettini or Matteo Arnaldi for a place in the championship match. The men’s top half is dominated by Italians, leaving Auger-Aliassime as the only non-Italian contender in that section of the bracket. Arnaldi described the situation as special for all the players involved, saying they are each happy to be in the last eight but aware that the upcoming clash will be a derby and therefore especially difficult. Arnaldi has also made history in Paris, setting a new record for the longest time spent on court through the quarterfinal stage of a Grand Slam since tracking began. With the women’s and men’s draws both reaching decisive stages, Roland Garros is poised for a day of high-stakes tennis and the possibility of breakthrough results from several players chasing career-defining titles.