Daijiworld Media Network – Paris
Paris, May 26: The red clay of Roland Garros witnessed a commanding start from World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka on Sunday, May 25, as she breezed into the second round of the French Open with a ruthless 6-1, 6-0 victory over Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova.
Taking center stage on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Sabalenka displayed sheer dominance, dispatching her opponent in just under an hour. The Belarusian powerhouse fired 30 winners, including five aces, while limiting herself to just 17 unforced errors. In contrast, Rakhimova struggled throughout, managing only nine winners and failing to convert any of her opportunities.
Sabalenka, the reigning US Open champion and top seed, saved both break points she faced and clinically converted five out of 11 chances on Rakhimova’s serve. Up next, she will face Switzerland’s Jil Teichmann, who advanced earlier in the day with a steady 6-4, 6-4 win over qualifier Lucrezia Stefanini. Sabalenka leads their head-to-head 1-0, having previously beaten Teichmann in Doha in 2022.
Meanwhile, Olympic gold medallist Zheng Qinwen of China also advanced with ease, registering a confident 6-4, 6-3 win over former Roland Garros finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Seeded seventh, Zheng extended her unbeaten run at the French Open to seven matches and continues to grow in stature as a force on clay.
Zheng will now face the winner of the first-round clash between Alexandra Eala of the Philippines and Colombia’s Emiliana Arango.
In another surprise from the early rounds, Switzerland’s Viktorija Golubic stunned two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova. Despite losing the first set 3-6, Golubic bounced back with a flawless 6-0 second set and sealed the deal 6-4 in the decider. Kvitova, making a comeback to Paris after her maternity break, looked rusty, committing 45 unforced errors that cost her dearly.
As the French Open 2025 kicks into full gear, early action has already delivered a mix of firepower, resilience, and upsets, setting the stage for an exciting fortnight ahead in the heart of Paris.