French Open 2023 LIVE: Iga Swiatek vs Beatriz Haddad Maia score, updates and results from women’s semi-finals after Karolina Muchova upsets Aryna Sabalenka

After Stuttgart and Madrid, there was supposed to be Roland Garros. The French Open final looked to have reserved for Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, the world No 1 and world No 2, a clash between the previous two grand slam winners and the latest chapter of a flourishing rivalry.

Sabalenka had looked in unstoppable form in Roland Garros, even at times in Friday’s semi-final. Sabalenka held serve with the chance to face Swiatek for the title; she even had match point.

Then Karolina Muchova happened.

The unseeded 26-year-old Czech was down and out as she trailed 5-2 in the decider. An impressive performance in a grand slam semi-final threatened to be put down as a mere contribution to an absorbing contest as Sabalenka surged ahead, but Muchova rallied from the brink. She won five games in a row to stun Sabalenka and set up a final with Swiatek, who was pushed by Beatriz Haddad Maia but prevailed 6-2 7-6 to reach her third French Open semi-final in four years.

Iga Swiatek 6-2 7-6 Beatriz Haddad Maia – Game, set and match!

Swiatek is now through to her third French Open final in four years.

“It’s really amazing, honestly,” she says. “I’m happy to play consistently here and I’m excited for Saturday to see where it’s going to go.”

Swiatek is asked about the chellenge of Haddad Maia, who pushed her more than anyone has managed so far.

“For sure, she was using the fact she’s a lefty. She has the game for clay, a lot of top-spin, but she can also play flat and aggressive. She’s a fighter, it wasn’t easy. I’m happy I played so well in the tiebreaker. I’m just glad I was solid and tried to push on every point.”

Just look at this reaction from Swiatek at the end – this was a big, big win.

Iga Swiatek 6-2 7-6 Beatriz Haddad Maia – Game, set and match!

This result also means Swiatek keeps hold of the world No 1 ranking, regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s final against Muchova. Aryna Sabalenka had to better Swiatek’s result in Roland Garros.

Iga Swiatek 6-2 7-6 Beatriz Haddad Maia – Game, set and match!

What a match, what a battle! Iga Swiatek is back into the French Open final but Beatriz Haddad Maia made her work so hard for it. The Brazilian showed why she is such a tough competitor again as she forced Swiatek into a nervy second-set tiebreak, where the world No 1’s forehand really took over in the big points. That said, Haddad Maia had two big chances at 5-3 and at set point on 6-5, but Swiatek gets the job done.

She will play Karolina Muchova in Saturday’s final.

Iga Swiatek 6-2 6-6 Beatriz Haddad Maia

Gutsy forehand winner from Swiatek! She waits for the ball to drop and unleashes a precise crosscourt angle out wide!

It’s a second match point: Swiatek pushes Haddad Maia back again, and this time gets the smash to put it away and extinguish Haddad Maia’s fight!

Iga Swiatek 6-2 6-6 Beatriz Haddad Maia

What a shot from Swiatek! She gets so low to swivel and steer and wonderful backhand winner crosscourt.

Match point! Swiatek had Haddad Maia on the ropes but doesn’t follow in, and then Haddad Maia produces a stunning forehand winner right on the line to save herself! Wow!

Iga Swiatek 6-2 6-6 Beatriz Haddad Maia

Haddad Maia is making Swiatek look so uncertain in the baseline rallies – a forehand from the world No 1 goes long and it brings up set point for Haddad Maia!

But Swiatek pings a ball to the baseline and Haddad Maia nets on the forehand!

Iga Swiatek 6-2 6-6 Beatriz Haddad Maia

Excellent from Haddad Maia to rush the net and calmly judge the drop volley – then Swiatek goes long on the return!

Another big roar from the Brazilian at 5-3.

But that’s a big miss! Haddad Maia follows in a slice from Swiatek, but frames the volley this time!

Iga Swiatek 6-2 6-6 Beatriz Haddad Maia

Big roar from Haddad Maia! She outlasts Swiatek in the baseline duel – with both players mixing up their shots – and Swiatek goes long on the forehand.

Haddad Maia hands it straight back with backhand that drifts long!

All square at 3-3 at the change.

Iga Swiatek 6-2 6-6 Beatriz Haddad Maia

Swiatek follows an opening error with a backhand winner down the line off Haddad Maia’s serve – Swiatek again goes down the line off the backhand, perhaps trying to avoid Haddad Maia’s forehand, but this one nets!

Early advantage to Haddad Maia.