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Rain Threatens Świątek vs Sabalenka Semifinal at French Open

Thursday at 3 p.m. CEST That would be 2025 French Open semifinal between the two-time champ Iga Świątek and Aryna Sabalenka might be rained on in Paris? Organizers are ready to put the retractable roof at Roland Garros into use and close it if necessary to keep the French Open from being the rainy mess it's been in the past. But people are starting to wonder what impact this could have on the game's flow.

By Iwo Mazur | Last Updated: 5 Jun 2025

Świątek, who plays brilliantly on clay courts when open to the air, may not be rewarded by the closed roof. Experts say that the move to indoor-like conditions will mean reduced efficacy of her topspin-heavy game.

Sabalenka's Power Game Could Benefit From Closed Roof
A number of tennis analysts also think the indoor conditions could give Aryna Sabalenka the edge. The slower court surface that a closed roof will induce should temper the spin and variety that Świątek relies on to steamroll her opponents. Sabalenka, who is more about strength and power, could be comfortable in these conditions that are more favorable to playing on the front foot.

A few observers have also noted that Świątek loves outdoor conditions, including the breezes and light changes, that indoor conditions would eliminate. Given the unpredictable weather, both players could confront a subtle mental and tactical test in this semifinal.

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