French Open: World No. 1 Sabalenka overcomes Osaka to advance into QFs
Paris, June 2
Aryna Sabalenka overcame Naomi Osaka in a compelling fourth-round clash at Roland Garros, securing a 7-5, 6-3 victory to book her place in the quarter-finals.
The win marked Sabalenka's third triumph over Osaka this season, underlining her recent dominance in the rivalry.
With the result, the world No. 1 advanced to her 14th consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final, extending her impressive streak.
The only remaining player in the draw to have contested a Grand Slam final, Sabalenka, will bring a clear edge in experience into the next round. She will face 25th seed Diana Shnaider, who reached her first Grand Slam quarter-final with a three-set victory over 19th seed Madison Keys.
Osaka made the brighter start, winning the opening two games as Sabalenka struggled to find her rhythm. A series of unforced errors, including a double fault on a break point, handed the early initiative to the Japanese star.
However, Sabalenka responded quickly, finding her range with a pair of clean forehand winners to break back and restore parity.
From there, the top seed settled into control, holding serve with authority and not facing another break point for the remainder of the match as she closed out a composed victory.
"I'm not really overthinking. I was able to kind of, like, separate myself from what's going on this year at the Roland Garros. I have been around. Anything can happen. That's tennis. That's sport, you know? I'm just trying, once again, you know, to be focused on myself and make sure that when I'm there competing, I'm bringing my best level that I have, and I'm there, I'm fighting, and you know, I'm doing everything I can to get this trophy," Sabalenka said as per the WTA website.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Such a competitive match! It's great to see Sabalenka staying composed after that shaky start. But I wonder if the top seeds are really tested enough in early rounds—this was a good challenge for her. Shnaider in the quarters will be a different story though.
Sabalenka's mindset is so mature now—"separate myself from what's going on" is exactly what champions do. But honestly, the coverage of women's tennis in India is still so limited! We barely get highlights of matches like these on TV. 😔
Osaka's fight was visible—winning the first two games showed her class. But Sabalenka's power game is just too overwhelming on clay. I think she's the favorite to win the whole thing now. 🏆 What do others think—will Swiatek's absence help her?
That stat about 14 consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinals is mind-blowing! But I have to say, the article could have mentioned Sabalenka's serve more—it was her saving grace after the slow start. Also, great to see Shnaider making a breakthrough.
I was at the edge of my seat watching this! Osaka's start was brilliant, but Sabalenka's ability to adapt mid-match is what separates the No. 1 from the rest. This tournament is wide open now—excited for the quarters! 🎾🇮🇳
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