Tennis pundit backs Aryna Sabalenka as 'firm favourite' to win French Open title over defending champion Iga Swiatek

Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka has been named the 'firm favourite' to win her first-ever French Open title after her stellar Mutua Madrid Open 2025 victory. The world number one is the Madrid Open 2025 champion. The star player has defeated USA star Coco Gauff in straight sets to win her third Madrid title.

Sabalenka had a great start to the clay-court swing. Earlier, she showcased her stellar performance in the Stuttgart Open 2025, where she made it to the finals. However, she faltered against Jelena Ostapenko in the summit clash. She kept her dominating form in the Madrid Open and later won the title. This victory has bolstered her preparations for the French Open 2025. She has made it to the finals of the Australian Open 2025 as well, but lost against Madison Keys.

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Colin Fleming talks about Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek's chances to win the French Open

However, former tennis player Colin Fleming has named Aryna Sabalenka as a leading contender who can win the French Open 2025. The British star stated that the Belarusian star holds a strong chance to win here after her Madrid Open victory. Iga Swiatek is the defending champion and dominated clay courts in 2024. However, she failed to replicate her success here.

In the same vein, the 40-year-old legend stated that Iga Swiatek also possesses the ability to stage her comeback. However, Swiatek's performance in the 2025 Italian Open will determine her form heading into Roland Garros.

“I think she [Sabalenka] is now pretty firm favourite for Roland Garros, with all that has gone on as we stand here in Madrid. Before this tournament started, I would still have picked Swiatek as the favourite, despite the fact she was out of form. But although Iga made the semis and you would say it’s not a terrible result, the manner of the semi-final, I just think there is a question mark of how she will be in Rome and Roland Garros," Colin Fleming said.

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