\n<\/p>\n
Three-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka replaced Swiatek at the top of the rankings last year, opening up a commanding lead over her rivals by winning 39 of her 45 matches this season.<\/p>\n
Her powerful style transcends all surfaces and is backed up by an unparalleled consistency.<\/p>\n
Sabalenka, who has won three WTA titles this year, is the first player to reach the quarter-finals at 10 consecutive Grand Slams since American great Serena Williams between 2014 and 2017.<\/p>\n
To reach her first French Open final, she will have to find a way to end Swiatek’s 26-match winning streak on the Paris clay.<\/p>\n
“The most important thing for Aryna – against anybody in the world – is whether she can control the first two to three shots. That’s where she makes the difference,” said Petkovic.<\/p>\n
“It doesn’t mean she has to win the point in the first two or three shots, but she has to be able to gain control.<\/p>\n
“If she is able to do that, I think it will be very hard for Iga to win.”<\/p>\n
Sabalenka has only been in one previous French Open semi-final, but is becoming more than just a ball crusher as she looks to evolve her game.<\/p>\n
She is playing with increasing variety and has used the drop-shot effectively in Paris, although the speed of Swiatek may be able to neutralise that option. <\/p>\n
“I’m going to play with my power, because this is something where I feel the most comfortable,” said Sabalenka.<\/p>\n
“But when you put the other player on the back foot, it’s really important to mix it up little bit just so they guess every time.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n