booked her spot in a maiden French Open final with a stunning 7-6(1) 4-6 6-0 victory over Iga Swiatek on Thursday, handing the four-time champion her first loss at this tournament since 2021.
But the world No. 1 may have already dropped herself in it with the Roland Garros crowd and could feel their wrath in Saturday's final after making a cheeky comment moments after taking Swiatek out.
Sabalenka was awaiting the winner of the second semi-final match between No. 2 seed Coco Gauff and Lois Boisson, the French wildcard ranked down at No. 361 in the world who has been on a stunning run in her Grand Slam main draw debut.
two top-10 players, and , during her run to the semis. Both players cheering their woman on.
Sabalenka doesn't want to have the same experience, and she openly admitted that she didn't want to see Boisson reach the final - something the home crowd won't want to hear.
Previewing the second semi-final, she told the 15,000-strong Court Philippe Chatrier crowd: I'll let my team watch it today, and tomorrow we're going to watch it together, depends who's going to win the match.
"It's another great semi-final. Enjoy, guys. I'm pretty sure you're going to be cheering for one person like crazy and I'm not sure if I really want her to win!"
It has since been confirmed Sabalenka will get her wish - and will play Gauff. The American beat home hope Boisson 6-1, 6-2 and Sabalenka can take plenty of confidence into the final from her victory over Swiatek. The Pole had only lost two matches at this tournament in her career before stepping out for the semi-final.
But Sabalenka handed Swiatek her third career defeat at Roland Garros, ending her 26-match unbeaten streak at the clay-court Grand Slam tournament.
"I mean, she's the toughest opponent, especially on the clay, especially at Roland Garros and I'm proud that I was able to get this win," the top seed said of her victory.
"It was a tough match, it was a tricky match, but I managed it somehow and I'm super proud right now."
The work doesn't stop there for Sabalenka as she added: "Honestly, it feels it feels incredible, but I also understand that the job is not done yet and I'm just thrilled with the performance today, with this win, with this atmosphere in the stadium."
Although the 27-year-old might have lost some fans when she said she didn't want Boisson to progress, she's still a big fan of the crowd.
"Thank you so much for the atmosphere you are bringing on court because it makes us feel, I don't know, amazing," she smiled.