Three-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka replaced Swiatek last year and took a leading lead in the season’s rivals.
With 39 wins in 45 games, her strong style goes beyond all surfaces and is supported by unparalleled consistency.
Sabalenka, who won three WTA titles this year, is the first player to reach the quarterfinals 10 consecutive times since the great American Serena Williams between 2014 and 2017.
To reach her first French Open final, she will have to find a way to end Swiatek’s 26-game winning streak on Paris Clay.
“The most important thing for Aryna is whether she can control the first two to three shots. That’s where she makes a difference,” Petkovic said.
“That doesn’t mean she has to win this in the first two or three shots, but she has to be able to control it.
“If she can do that, I think it’s hard for IGA to win.”
Sabalenka also made it to the semi-finals of 2023 and she is more than just a batsman as she hopes to develop her game.
She is playing with more and more breeds and is effectively using waves in Paris, although Swiatek’s speed may be able to neutralize the option.
“I want to use my strength because this is where I feel the most comfortable,” Sabalenka said.
“But when you put another player on the back foot, it’s important to mix it a little bit so that they guess every time.”
