PARIS: World number one Aryna Sabalenka reached the French Open quarter-finals on Monday after defeating four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in straight sets at Roland Garros.
Sabalenka secured a 7-5, 6-3 victory in the French Open quarter-finals race, producing a dominant display that featured 39 winners and 12 aces. The win extended her run to 14 consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final appearances and kept her bid for a first French Open title on track.
The Belarusian is now the only current Grand Slam singles champion remaining in either the men’s or women’s draw following a series of early exits by other top contenders.
Speaking after the match, Sabalenka said she remained focused on her own performances despite several surprising results during the tournament.
The victory also marked her third win over Osaka this year, reversing a rivalry in which the Japanese star won their only previous meeting at the 2018 US Open.
Sabalenka to face Diana Shnaider next
Sabalenka will next play Russian player Diana Shnaider as she continues her pursuit of a maiden Roland Garros crown.
The top seed is also seeking to move beyond the disappointment of last year’s French Open final, where she finished runner-up to Coco Gauff.
Sabalenka said her focus remains on competing at her highest level and doing everything possible to challenge for the title.
Osaka exits after best French Open run
Despite the defeat, Osaka recorded her best performance at the French Open by reaching the fourth round.
The former world number one said her approach to defeats has changed over time and that she was looking forward to returning home to spend time with her daughter after the tournament.
Osaka also welcomed the opportunity to play in the tournament’s night session, describing the atmosphere as enjoyable and positive for women’s tennis.
Women’s match featured in night session
The contest was notable for being the first women’s singles match scheduled in the French Open night session since 2023.
The tournament had faced criticism after a lengthy run of men’s matches under the lights, prompting calls for greater visibility and scheduling opportunities for women’s tennis.
Sabalenka, who previously advocated for more women’s night-session matches at Roland Garros, said she hoped the occasion would help open the door for more such scheduling decisions in future editions of the tournament.
Strong serving proves decisive
The opening set remained closely contested until Sabalenka earned a crucial break in the 11th game before serving out the set.
Osaka remained competitive early in the second set, but Sabalenka’s powerful serving and aggressive shot-making gradually took control of the match.
A decisive break gave the world number one the advantage, and she sealed victory with a strong return winner to book her place in the last eight.
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