French Open 2023 Highlights: Swiatek beats Haddad Maia, Muchova upsets Sabalenka to set up summit clash

French Open 2023: Check Sportstar’s highlights of the women’s semifinals in which Aryna Sabalenka lost to Karolina Muchova and Iga Swiatek beat Beatriz Haddad Maia at Roland-Garros, Paris.

Updated : Jun 09, 2023 00:41 IST

Defending champion Iga Swiatek takes on Beatriz Haddad Maia in the second women’s singles French Open semifinal.
Defending champion Iga Swiatek takes on Beatriz Haddad Maia in the second women’s singles French Open semifinal.
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Defending champion Iga Swiatek takes on Beatriz Haddad Maia in the second women’s singles French Open semifinal.

Welcome to Sportstar’s highlights of the French Open 2023 women’s singles semifinals in which Aryna Sabalenka lost to Karolina Muchova and Iga Swiatek beat Beatriz Haddad Maia. This was Nihit Sachdeva taking you through the action as it unfolded on Court Philippe-Chatrier at Roland-Garros, Paris.

(*denotes server)

Muchova beat Sabalenka 7-6(5), 6-7(5), 7-5

Swiatek beat Haddad Maia 6-2, 7-6(7)

  • June 09, 2023 00:39
    Mark your calendars!
  • June 09, 2023 00:14
    TIEBREAKER (Swiatek wins 9-7)

    Swiatek nets a forehand despite having the whole court at her mercy after pinning Haddad Maia to one corner - the Brazilian gets the mini-break. The advantage does not last long as Swiatek hits a backhand return winner which catches the baseline - 1-1. Another attempt from Swiatek to hit a backhand winner down the line but sprays it wide. Haddad Maia hits a forehand return long - 2-2. A 12-shot rally at the end of which Swiatek sends a forehand long and Haddad Maia gets another mini-break. Again, the advantage vanishes quickly as she sends a forehand long - 3-3. Crosscourt backhand volley of the highest quality from Haddad Maia to stay ahead at 4-3. Swiatek sends a backhand long and trails 3-5 now. The Brazilian is just two points away from reaching the deciding third set for a fifth straight match. Haddad Maia nets a forehand volley after setting up the point with a deep return down the line - 5-4. Two serves for the Brazilian now. Swiatek levels the score again as Haddad Maia hits a backhand long - 5-5. This time, Swiatek overhits a backhand return. Haddad Maia leads 6-5, has a set point on Swiatek’s serve. And Swiatek saves it as Haddad Maia nets a forehand return - 6-6. A backhand winner from Swiatek to earn her first match point chance - 7-6. WHAT A SHOT! Beatriz Haddad Maia saves a match point at the end of the 15-shot rally with a forehand pass that just catches the inner sideline - 7-7. However, Swiatek wins the next point with a crosscourt forehand to earn another chance to close this match - 8-7. And Swiatek does it! A forehand winner to seal the deal, retain her World No. 1 ranking and progress to her third French Open final!

  • June 09, 2023 00:12
    SECOND SET: Swiatek 6-6 Haddad Maia*

    Haddad Maia again serving to stay in the match. A crosscourt rally ends with Swiatek going for the backhand down the line and she makes it to go 30-15 up. Wide serve into the ad court and Swiatek does not make the right connection with the ball - 30-all. Swiatek tries to go for another backhand winner down the line but it lands just wide. Instead, it is a game point for Haddad Maia. The Brazilian manages to close the game. Onto the tiebreaker!

  • June 09, 2023 00:07
    SECOND SET: Swiatek* 6-5 Haddad Maia

    Backhand winner down the line from Swiatek to start another crucial service game. Love hold for the World No. 1. Excellent.

  • June 09, 2023 00:04
    SECOND SET: Swiatek 5-5 Haddad Maia*

    Haddad Maia sets up the point with a body serve but ends up hitting the winning forehand long - 15-all. Lovely volley from Haddad Maia, Swiatek manages to chip it over the net but Haddad Maia hits another one into the open court. Serve down the T, Swiatek’s forehand return goes wide - 40-15. Forehand return from Swiatek goes long. Haddad Maia holds.

  • June 08, 2023 23:59
    SECOND SET: Swiatek* 5-4 Haddad Maia

    Swiatek begins the service game with an inside-out forehand winner - 15-0. Haddad Maia’s return hits the net and drops on Swiatek’s side, the Pole manages to slice it back but the Brazilian wins the point with a forehand pass - 15-all. Another forehand pass for Haddad Maia and she leads 30-15. Body serve had set up the point nicely for the Pole but she hits the crosscourt backhand wide. Two break points for Haddad Maia. Swiatek saves one with a backhand winner down the line - 30-40. Another body serve and this time Haddad Maia is unable to return - deuce. Swiatek overhits a backhand and Haddad Maia has a third break point. Heavy hitting has its risks and Haddad Maia experiences it as she sends a routine forehand long - deuce again. Second serve from Swiatek and Haddad Maia nets the forehand return. Slower second serve with a lot of kick on it and Haddad Maia’s forehand return lands just long. Swiatek holds serve. Haddad Maia to serve to stay in the match.

  • June 08, 2023 23:51
    SECOND SET: Swiatek 4-4 Haddad Maia*

    Haddad Maia nets a simple drop shot after pinning Swiatek to the baseline - 15-all. Crosscourt backhand shot from Haddad goes wide - 15-30. Lovely forehand winner down the line from Haddad Maia after a crosscourt backhand return from Swiatek - 30-all. Haddad Maia closes the game with a crosscourt backhand winner.

  • June 08, 2023 23:46
    SECOND SET: Swiatek* 4-3 Haddad Maia

    Great and unreturnable T serve from Swiatek - 30-0. Not only heavy hitting, Haddad Maia can only play perfect volleys when needed and she shows on this occasion as she hits a crosscourt forehand volley to Swiatek’s forehand pass - 30-all. Backhand from Swiatek lands beyond the baseline and Haddad Maia has a chance to break back immediately and restore her lead. Body serve followed by a forehand winner down the line from Swiatek - deuce. Another forehand winner down the line after forcing Haddad Maia to come forward and slice - game point for Swiatek. Rally of the match - 21 shots - with Haddad Maia’s crosscourt forehand vs Swiatek’s crosscourt backhand - and eventually Swiatek hits a forehand down the line which takes the top of the tape and lands just on the right side of the inner sideline on Haddad Maia’s side. Swiatek holds.

  • June 08, 2023 23:39
    SECOND SET: Swiatek 3-3 Haddad Maia*

    Crosscourt forehand winner from Swiatek just catches the inner side line - 15-all. Swiatek seemed to have finished the point with a crosscourt backhand from the net but Haddad Maia comes up with a brilliant forehand down the line pass - 30-15. Overhead smash put away by Swiatek - 30-all. Haddad Maia nets a forehand and Swiatek has a break point. And she converts it as her backhand return right at Haddad Maia draws a wide forehand down the line from the Brazilian. Back on serve!

  • June 08, 2023 23:33
    SECOND SET: Swiatek* 2-3 Haddad Maia

    Swiatek’s struggle with the serve continues - another double fault - and it is 15-all. Forehand winner down the line from the Pole - 30-15. Backhand return from Haddad Maia right at Swiatek’s feet but just long - 40-15. Haddad Maia’s return clips the top of the net and drops on Swiatek’s side who manages to send the ball back but eventually loses the point - 40-30. Wide serve into the ad court, Haddad Maia hits the backhand return long. Swiatek holds and stays in touch.

  • June 08, 2023 23:28
    SECOND SET: Swiatek 1-3 Haddad Maia*

    Haddad in control now. Swiatek nets a forehand and a backhand return. Finally, Swiatek lets one rip and hits a stunning crosscourt forehand winner - 15-30. Outstanding hitting from both players but Swiatek, indecisive on whether to move forward or stay back, lets the ball bounce before netting the forehand. Haddad consolidates the break.

  • June 08, 2023 23:23
    SECOND SET: Swiatek* 1-2 Haddad Maia

    Double fault from Swiatek - 15-all. Faulty backhand from the Pole makes it 30-all. Swiatek nets a forehand. Haddad Maia has the chance to break. Swiatek sends a backhand long. Haddad Maia breaks.

  • June 08, 2023 23:19
    SECOND SET: Swiatek 1-1 Haddad Maia*

    Haddad Maia serves. In control of the rally, the Brazilian finishes it with the 11th shot - an inside-out forehand winner. Swiatek soaks up the pressure in another long rally but this time manages to get on top with a forehand winner down the line - 30-15. Haddad Maia holds serve.

  • June 08, 2023 23:15
    SECOND SET: Swiatek* 1-0 Haddad Maia

    Swiatek serves first in the second set. Goes up 30-0 in no time. Haddad Maia fires a forehand winner down the line - 30-15. Swiatek, from 40-15 up, makes two forehand errors - one crosscourt and one down the line going wide - and it is deuce. Haddad Maia is pumped! Makes Swiatek run from one end to the other before finishing with a volley. Break point for the Brazilian. Haddad Maia makes room to hit the forehand return but the serve had a lot of kick on it and the return from the Brazilian goes long - deuce again. Game point for Swiatek as she finds the corner with her forehand down the line and the Brazilian’s forehand in response to it goes wide. Double fault committed by Swiatek - deuce again. Haddad, not in position, hits the backhand return down the line wide after Swiatek sends a crosscourt forehand right in the deuce court corner. No let up from Haddad Maia as she continues to be aggressive with her returns and forces out a weak forehand from Swiatek - deuce again. Body serve from Swiatek and Haddad Maia sends the return wide. Serve wide into the ad court, backhand return from Haddad Maia goes long. After 10 minutes, Swiatek manages to hold serve!

  • June 08, 2023 23:00
    FIRST SET: Swiatek 6-2 Haddad Maia*

    Haddad Maia serving to stay in the set. The Brazilian overcooks a forehand - 15-all. Double fault from Haddad Maia - 15-30. Defensive lob from Swiatek lands just inside the baseline and she gets to finish the point with a forehand winner down the line. Two set points. Wide serve into the deuce court from Haddad Maia, Swiatek hits the forehand return down the line, Haddad Maia reacts late and the forehand shot from the Brazilian goes long. Swiatek takes the opener 6-2!

  • June 08, 2023 22:55
    FIRST SET: Swiatek* 5-2 Haddad Maia

    Swiatek with a spinning forehand shot on-the-run catches Haddad Maia in an awkward position and the Brazilian hits a forehand return long - 30-0. Second serve from Swiatek, Haddad Maia blasts a forehand return winner down the line - 30-15. Backhand winner down the line from Swiatek - 40-15. Haddad Maia nets a forehand return. Swiatek holds.

  • June 08, 2023 22:50
    FIRST SET: Swiatek 4-2 Haddad Maia*

    Another tight game for Haddad Maia - 30-all. Backhand shot from the Brazilian goes wide - deuce. Break point for Swiatek as forehand down the line from Haddad Maia is just long. And Swiatek breaks as Haddad Maia nets the drop shot at the end of a 14-shot rally!

  • June 08, 2023 22:43
    FIRST SET: Swiatek* 3-2 Haddad Maia

    Two forehand winners from Swiatek - 30-0. However, a backhand error and a double fault makes it 30-all. Haddad Maia fails to hit the perfect drop volley which allows Swiatek to get to it and hit a forehand crosscourt pass - 40-30. Wide serve into the ad court, Haddad Maia fires the return right at Swiatek’s feet who somehow manages to get in position and hit a forehand winner in the deuce court. Swiatek holds.

  • June 08, 2023 22:38
    FIRST SET: Swiatek 2-2 Haddad Maia*

    The Brazilian seems to be taking some time to find her rhythm. Goes down 0-30 before winning three points on the trot. However, a netted backhand takes the game to deuce. Swiatek overhits a backhand return. An amazing on-the-run forehand from Haddad Maia draws a weak forehand return from Swiatek. Haddad Maia holds.

  • June 08, 2023 22:31
    FIRST SET: Swiatek* 2-1 Haddad Maia

    Haddad Maia just misses the line while going for a backhand winner which was there for the taking - 30-0 lead to Swiatek. World No. 1 hits a forehand long - 30-15. Swiatek gets the short ball and gives it the treatment - a crushing forehand winner down the line - 40-15. Swiatek holds serve.

  • June 08, 2023 22:27
    FIRST SET: Swiatek 1-1 Haddad Maia*

    Immediate response from Swiatek as she goes up 40-15 and earns two break points. Swiatek breaks back!

  • June 08, 2023 22:22
    FIRST SET: Swiatek* 0-1 Haddad Maia

    Swiatek serves first in the match. Begins with a forehand going long. Haddad Maia capitalises on the slow second serve and hits a big backhand return winner to go 30-0 up. Backhand crosscourt from the Pole goes long and Haddad Maia has three break points straight away. Second serve, Haddad Maia stands well inside the baseline and blasts a forehand return winner down the line. Haddad Maia breaks!

  • June 08, 2023 22:17
    Here we go!

    Swiatek and Haddad Maia are on court now. The second semifinal about to get underway!

  • June 08, 2023 22:10
    Second semifinal coming up!

    After a thrilling first semifinal between Muchova and Sabalenka, the second semifinal between Iga Swiatek and Beatriz Haddad Maia will be starting shortly.

  • June 08, 2023 21:50
    THIRD SET: Sabalenka 5-7 Muchova*

    Sabalenka nets a backhand return - 15-0. Wide serve into the ad court from Muchova, Sabalenka hits the backhand return long - 30-0. Drop shot from Muchova, Sabalenka unable to chip the ball over the net. Three match points for Muchova! Wide second serve from Muchova, Sabalenka gets into the rally, Muchova hits a backhand down the other corner and Sabalenka hits a crosscourt forehand on the run wide! Muchova beats Sabalenka to reach her maiden Grand Slam final after a 7-6(5), 6-7(5), 7-5 win in three hours 13 minutes!

  • June 08, 2023 21:46
    THIRD SET: Sabalenka* 5-6 Muchova

    Sabalenka up 40-15. Should be able to close this and guarantee herself atleast a match tiebreak. Commits a double fault - 40-30. And another double fault - deuce. And now, after a perfect first serve down the T, she fails to lands the backhand inside the baseline. And believe it or not, Muchova manages to make the return after a superb wide serve into the ad court from Sabalenka, eventually gets a short ball and hits a forehand winner down the line from the net to break the Belarusian! Muchova will serve for a place in the final!

  • June 08, 2023 21:42
    THIRD SET: Sabalenka 5-5 Muchova*

    A perfect game from Muchova as she races to a 40-0 lead. Sabalenka nets the backhand return. Love hold for Muchova.

  • June 08, 2023 21:39
    THIRD SET: Sabalenka* 5-4 Muchova

    Sabalenka serving for a place in the final. Muchova wins the opening point with a forehand return winner down the line. A couple of unforced errors including a massively overhit backhand - Sabalenka is down 15-40. Muchova with two break points. And she only needs one as Sabalenka hits a crosscourt backhand wide. Muchova breaks back! It is not over yet!

  • June 08, 2023 21:31
    THIRD SET: Sabalenka 5-3 Muchova*

    Muchova serving to stay in the match. Starts with a forehand and a backhand error - Sabalenka leads 30-0. Serve down the T from Muchova, backhand return from Sabalenka goes long - 15-30. Wide serve into the ad court followed by a forehand down the line in the ad corner - Muchova makes it 30-all. Is there still life left in this contest? Backhand slice from Muchova, for once, goes long and Sabalenka has a match point at 30-40. Wide serve into the ad court followed by an inside-out forehand winner - Muchova saves a match point - deuce. Sabalenka nets a backhand return. Sabalenka had the court at her mercy but ended up hitting the forehand wide. Muchova holds.

  • June 08, 2023 21:29
    THIRD SET: Sabalenka* 5-2 Muchova

    Muchova pins Sabalenka to the baseline and goes for the drop shot but the ball does not cross the net. Tension visible on the Czech woman’s face. Sabalenka nets a forehand down the line - 15-all. Sabalenka goes for too much and ends up hitting the inside-out forehand wide - 15-30. Big first serve followed by a forehand winner - Sabalenka makes it 30-all. A crosscourt backhand winner from Sabalenka after a 15-shot rally in which ball just kept hitting the net and falling on the right side. Sabalenka closes the game.

  • June 08, 2023 21:25
    THIRD SET: Sabalenka 4-2 Muchova*

    Muchova is having no easy service games. Another one goes to 30-all. The Czech player hits a T ace to earn a game point opportunity. Crosscourt forehand winner from Sabalenka - deuce. Sabalenka hits one of the most lethal crosscourt backhand winners of the match and now has a chance to break again. Muchova hits a forehand long and Sabalenka breaks to go 4-2 up!

  • June 08, 2023 21:18
    THIRD SET: Sabalenka* 3-2 Muchova

    And now it might be Sabalenka’s turn to face the heat as Muchova goes up 30-0 courtesy a forehand winner from her and a backhand error from the Belarusian. A heavy backhand and a forehand from Muchova makes it 30-all. Muchova makes another error, this time a crosscourt backhand which does not have enough height to cross the net. Game point for Sabalenka. Double fault from the Belarusian - deuce. Crosscourt forehand winner from Sabalenka brings another game point opportunity and she converts as Muchova hits a forehand down the line long. Sabalenka holds.

  • June 08, 2023 21:12
    THIRD SET: Sabalenka 2-2 Muchova*

    Another nervous game for Muchova as Sabalenka makes it 30-all with an overhead smash. Sabalenka puts too much on the crosscourt backhand and Muchova has a game point at 40-30. And she closes it with a drop shot that clips the net on its way!

  • June 08, 2023 21:06
    THIRD SET: Sabalenka* 2-1 Muchova

    Sabalenka fires a wide serve into the deuce court but Muchova absolutely nails the forehand return down the line - 30-15. However, that does not affect Sabalenka much as she closes the game with ease and stays ahead.

  • June 08, 2023 21:03
    THIRD SET: Sabalenka 1-1 Muchova*

    And Muchova is in trouble! Sabalenka has three break points at 0-40. Muchova saves two of them with two great first serves. Forehand down the line from Muchova just catches the baseline and she saves the third break point too! Forehand pass from Sabalenka as Muchova rushes to the net. One more break point. Muchova saves it with a T ace. Wide serve into the deuce court, forehand sliced return from Sabalenka hits the net. Game point for Muchova. And Muchova closes it with another T ace. This is a big service hold.

  • June 08, 2023 20:56
    THIRD SET: Sabalenka* 1-0 Muchova

    Sabalenka serving first in the final set. Unbelievable defensive crosscourt lob from Muchova to keep the point going, Sabalenka tracks back and hits a backhand down the line but the Czech player is ready and finishes the point with a crosscourt forehand volley into the open court - 40-30. Sabalenka, however, closes the game after a heavy forehand return from Muchova.

  • June 08, 2023 20:43
    TIEBREAKER (Sabalenka wins 7-5)

    Loose forehand crosscourt return from Sabalenka on a harmless serve from Muchova. Sabalenka forced to play extra shots but manages to put one past Muchova with a forehand down the line - 1-1. A backhand slice return from Muchova leads to Sabalenka netting the forehand - 1-2. And the mini-break advantage for Muchova is gone as she nets a backhand crosscourt - 2-2. And now Sabalenka has the mini-break with a glorious inside-out forehand winner from the baseline - 3-2. Wide serve from Sabalenka into the ad court, Muchova hits the backhand return long - 4-2. Change of ends. Sabalenka overcooks a routine crosscourt forehand and we are back on serve in this tiebreak - 4-3. But regains her advantage quickly as Muchova is unable to get her feet in right position and net a backhand down the line - 5-3. Tired-looking forehand return from Sabalenka keeps Muchova’s hopes alive - 5-4. Two serves for Sabalenka. Makes it 6-4 with a wide serve into the ad court which draws a heavy backhand return from Muchova. Set points for the World No. 2. And Sabalenka commits a double fault! One more set point but this time, on Muchova’s serve. Muchova tries to hang on in the rally but eventually gets cornered and nets a forehand. Sabalenka takes the second set 7-6(5)! We are headed to a deciding third set!

  • June 08, 2023 20:39
    SECOND SET: Sabalenka* 6-6 Muchova

    Sabalenka serving to stay in the match once again and is forced to win the opening point after a 13-shot rally courtesy Muchova’s defensive skills. Love hold for Sabalenka. Another tiebreaker!

  • June 08, 2023 20:36
    SECOND SET: Sabalenka 5-6 Muchova*

    Muchova wins the opening two points with a crosscourt backhand and a forehand winner down the line - 30-0. Comfortable hold for the World No. 43.

  • June 08, 2023 20:32
    SECOND SET: Sabalenka* 5-5 Muchova

    Sabalenka nets an easy forehand and Muchova leads 15-0. However, the World No. 2 wins four points on the trot including the last two with T aces.

  • June 08, 2023 20:29
    SECOND SET: Sabalenka 4-5 Muchova*

    Muchova up 40-0 in no time. The Czech player holds serve. Nerves of steel. Sabalenka to serve to stay in the set!

  • June 08, 2023 20:24
    SECOND SET: Sabalenka* 4-4 Muchova

    Wide return into the ad court from Sabalenka and Muchova just times the backhand return down the line perfectly - 15-all. A careless forehand shot from Sabalenka - 15-30. Muchova with a chance to break back as she forces Sabalenka to rush forward with a crosscourt forehand slice and Sabalenka nets the shot in response. Another wild forehand from Sabalenka and Muchova brings things back on serve.

  • June 08, 2023 20:20
    SECOND SET: Sabalenka 4-3 Muchova*

    Sabalenka is just not able to handle Muchova’s net-rushing game. Another beautiful crosscourt forehand volley winner from the Czech player as she goes 15-0 up. Backhand slice from Muchova lands just wide and Sabalenka goes up 30-15. Slight window of opportunity. Muchova shuts it down after being forced to hit multiple overhead smashes - 30-all. Sliding backhand lob from Muchova goes wide and here’s another chance for Sabalenka. Break point. Muchova saves it with a backhand volley despite some gritty work from the baseline by Sabalenka - deuce. Second break point for Sabalenka after Muchova overhits a forehand. And Sabalenka breaks again! Crosscourt backhand return to a wide serve into the ad court followed by a forehand winner in the deuce corner!

  • June 08, 2023 20:13
    SECOND SET: Sabalenka* 3-3 Muchova

    A quick service hold for Sabalenka. That should help keep her calm.

  • June 08, 2023 20:10
    SECOND SET: Sabalenka 2-3 Muchova*

    Muchova hits her fourth ace of the match to go 40-15 up. No let up from the Czech player so far. Body serve into the deuce court, Sabalenka hits the forehand return long. Muchova holds serve.

  • June 08, 2023 20:07
    SECOND SET: Sabalenka* 2-2 Muchova

    Stunning performance from Muchova continues as she comes from 0-40 down to take it to deuce on Sabalenka’s serve. Pressure on the Belarusian. Wide serve from Sabalenka into the deuce court, followed by a forehand in the same corner which draws a heavy forehand return from Muchova. Kick serve into the ad court from Sabalenka, Muchova sends the backhand return long. Sabalenka holds.

  • June 08, 2023 20:02
    SECOND SET: Sabalenka 1-2 Muchova*

    Sabalenka needs to break back immediately in order to keep her morale high. Begins with a drop shot winner. Muchova responds with a T ace. Crosscourt forehand winner from Sabalenka just catches the baseline. This time, Sabalenka moves back after noticing Muchova rushing in and hits a forehand with such height that Muchova’s volley in response goes wide. Two break points for Sabalenka. Muchova saves one but the Belarusian converts the second with a crosscourt forehand winner! Back on serve!

  • June 08, 2023 19:57
    SECOND SET: Sabalenka* 0-2 Muchova

    A crucial service game for Sabalenka. And she is in trouble down 15-30. Two break points for Muchova as Sabalenka hits a backhand long - 15-40. And Muchova does break as Sabalenka hits a forehand long this time!

  • June 08, 2023 19:53
    SECOND SET: Sabalenka 0-1 Muchova*

    Muchova to serve first in the second set. Love hold for the Czech player. She is in some form.

  • June 08, 2023 19:38
    TIEBREAKER (Muchova wins 7-5)

    Wide serve from Sabalenka, Muchova with a crosscourt forehand return and the Belarusian hits the forehand down the line wide. Muchova wrongfoots Sabalenka and draws a tired-looking forehand return which lands well wide. Forehand return into the net from Sabalenka and Muchova leads 3-0. Sabalenka gets on the scoreboard in this tiebreak with a crosscourt backhand winner from the net. Wide serve into the deuce court from Sabalenka, Muchova’s forehand return lands just long - 3-2. Backhand volley winner from Muchova to go 4-2 up. The consistent effort to rush in and attack has been working for the Czech. Overhead smash from Sabalenka after Muchova’s attempt to lob her fails - 4-3. Inside-out forehand winner from Sabalenka to level the score at 4-4. Second serve from Sabalenka, Muchova hits the crosscourt forehand return just wide and trails for the first time in this tiebreaker. Not for long though as Sabalenka sends an inside-out forehand wide - 5-5. Sabalenka had set up the point beautifully but ended up sending the final forehand shot long. And Muchova takes the opening set with a gorgeous backhand winner down the line!!!! Sabalenka drops the first set in this French Open!

  • June 08, 2023 19:37
    FIRST SET: Sabalenka 6-6 Muchova*

    Muchova again tries to rush to the net to put pressure on Sabalenka but the Belarusian crushes a forehand pass from the baseline to go 15-0 up. Wide serve into the ad court followed by a backhand winner in the deuce court - Muchova makes it 15-all. Body serve from Muchova works as Sabalenka sends the backhand return wide. Excellent drop shot from Muchova after a furious baseline rally - 40-15. Sabalenka nets the simplest of the forehand volleys. Nerves. Muchova holds. Onto the tiebreaker!

  • June 08, 2023 19:32
    FIRST SET: Sabalenka* 6-5 Muchova

    No look backhand pass down the line from Sabalenka to close a rather wobbly despite losing just one point. From serving for the set, Muchova will now serve to stay in it.

  • June 08, 2023 19:28
    FIRST SET: Sabalenka 5-5 Muchova*

    Muchova to serve for the set. Backhand crosscourt volley winner from Muchova - 15-all. Short ball from Sabalenka, Muchova makes no mistake and hits a powerful backhand return down the line to go 30-15 up. Sabalenka makes it 30-all with a forehand down the line from inside the baseline. Wide serve into the deuce court from Muchova, Sabalenka hits the crosscourt forehand return with full force but still, the Czech player manages to get in position to hit the forehand winner down the line into the ad corner. Sabalenka saves a set point with a crosscourt forehand winner - deuce. Sabalenka pins Muchova to the ad corner and finishes the point with a forehand winner in the deuce corner. Break point for Sabalenka. And she brings things back on serve as Muchova overhits a backhand!

  • June 08, 2023 19:22
    FIRST SET: Sabalenka* 4-5 Muchova

    Sabalenka in some trouble as her attempted backhand pass goes wide and she is 15-30 down. Muchova’s effort to rush to the net and attack is working - another point won with a forehand volley. Two break points. And Muchova breaks with a forehand winner!

  • June 08, 2023 19:18
    FIRST SET: Sabalenka 4-4 Muchova*

    One forehand from Muchova sails past the baseline, another hits the top of the tape and goes wide - the Czech is down 0-30. Gorgeous backhand winner down the line from Muchova - 15-30. Wide serve into the ad court followed by a forehand winner in the deuce corner - Muchova makes it 30-all. Inside-out forehand winner of the highest quality from Muchova - 40-30. Crosscourt forehand return from Sabalenka is heavy and lands wide. Muchova holds. Still on serve in this opening set.

  • June 08, 2023 19:13
    FIRST SET: Sabalenka* 4-3 Muchova

    Double fault from Sabalenka - 15-all. Great backhand defensive lob from a sliding Muchova to keep the rally going and it works as Sabalenka hits the overhead crosscourt smash wide - 30-all. Wide serve into the deuce from the reigning Australian Open champion, the return from Muchova does not even reach the net. Muchova sets up the point well with a crosscourt backhand and rushes to the net but her backhand volley only finds the net. Sabalenka holds.

  • June 08, 2023 19:08
    FIRST SET: Sabalenka 3-3 Muchova*

    It remains a close contest. Muchova holds serve.

  • June 08, 2023 19:03
    FIRST SET: Sabalenka* 3-2 Muchova

    Sabalenka holds serve comfortably. Pressure right back on Muchova.

  • June 08, 2023 19:00
    FIRST SET: Sabalenka 2-2 Muchova*

    A T ace from Muchova takes her up 30-0. Inside-out forehand from Muchova goes wide - 30-15. Backhand return from Sabalenka lands long - 40-15. Slow second serve from the Czech player and Sabalenka responds with a forehand crosscourt return winner - 40-30. Wide serve into the ad court from Muchova, Sabalenka hits the backhand return right at her feet and draws a backhand error. Another strong serve into the deuce court followed by an attempted volley from Muchova but Sabalenka’s backhand return is so strong that the volley lands beyond the baseline. Muchova saves a break point with a T ace - deuce again. Second break point for the Belarusian as Muchova nets a forehand crosscourt. Three points on the trot and Muchova holds! Stunning defensive work from the Czech.

  • June 08, 2023 18:49
    FIRST SET: Sabalenka* 2-1 Muchova

    Muchova with some brilliant bit of defending but as she looks to hit a backhand slice, she gets beaten by the low bounce. Wide serve into the ad court from Sabalenka, Muchova hits the backhand return long - 30-0. Two unforced errors from the World No. 2 - one forehand and one backhand shot going long - 30-all. Once again, lot of sliced backhands from both players but it is Sabalenka who ends the rally with a drop shot - 40-30. Inside-out forehand sets up the point and Sabalenka finishes it with a forehand down the line.

  • June 08, 2023 18:45
    FIRST SET: Sabalenka 1-1 Muchova*

    Slow second serve from Muchova but Sabalenka hits the backhand return down the line slightly wide - 15-0. Muchova nets a forehand - 15-all. Big first serve, backhand return from Sabalenka goes long - 30-15. Great backhand slice from Muchova, Sabalenka’s forehand return goes flying off the court - 40-15. This time, Sabalenka replies to Muchova’s backhand slice with the same shot - 40-30. Unforced error on the backhand return from Sabalenka. Muchova holds.

  • June 08, 2023 18:42
    FIRST SET: Sabalenka* 1-0 Muchova

    Lucky start for Sabalenka - wide serve into the ad court followed by a forehand down the line but Muchova keeps the rally going with a lob, Sabalenka hits the overhead smash which hits the top of the tap and lands on Muchova’s side. First double fault of the match from Sabalenka - 15-all. Forehand return from Muchova lands beyond the baseline. The Sabalenka power on display early into this semifinal - a forehand winner down the line to go 40-15 up. Closes the game with a T ace.

  • June 08, 2023 18:39
    Warm-up is done. Game time!

    Sabalenka to serve first in this semifinal.

  • June 08, 2023 18:34
    TOSS

    Muchova wins the toss and elects to receieve.

  • June 08, 2023 18:31
    It’s time for live action!

    Live visuals from Roland-Garros where Aryna Sabalenka and Karolina Muchova are ready to step on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

  • June 08, 2023 18:16
    Time spent on court

    Sabalenka: 7 hours 2 minutes

    Muchova: 9 hours 51 minutes

  • June 08, 2023 18:09
    Sabalenka eyes No. 1 ranking

    Sabalenka could become the new World No. 1 today itself if Swiatek loses in the second semifinal.

  • June 08, 2023 17:56
    Milestones in sight

    Sabalenka, with a win over Muchova, could become the first player since Sofia Kenin (2020) to reach the finals of the first two Majors of the season.

    On the other hand, a win for Muchova would make her only the fifth Czech woman to reach the French Open final.

  • June 08, 2023 17:46
    Sabalenka vs Muchova Head-to-head record

    Sabalenka leads the H2H record 1-0. The only meeting between the duo took place four years ago in the semifinals in Zhuhai which the Belarusian won 7-5, 7-6(4).

  • June 08, 2023 17:35
    Where to watch French Open 2023 women’s semifinal?

    In India, viewers will be able to watch the live telecast of the French Open on the Sony Sports Network and stream the matches live on the SonyLiv and JioTV app.

  • June 08, 2023 17:30
    PREVIEW

    It is time for the business end of the tournament. Reigning Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka takes on unseeded Czech player Karolina Muchova in the first women’s singles semifinal followed by Iga Swiatek, the defending champion, against Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia in the second semifinal.

    Live action begins from 6:30PM IST. Stay tuned as we build up to these two exciting encounters!

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