Daijiworld Media Network - Paris
Paris, Jun 2: World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the quarterfinals of the French Open after defeating four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka 7-5, 6-3 in a high-quality fourth-round clash at Roland Garros on Monday night.
The match, which marked the first women's night-session encounter at the tournament in three years, lived up to expectations as two of the WTA Tour's biggest stars produced an entertaining contest.
The victory extended Sabalenka's run to 14 consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal appearances and improved her record against Osaka to three wins from three meetings this season.
Osaka made a strong start, winning the opening two games as Sabalenka struggled to find her rhythm and committed several unforced errors, including a double fault on break point.
However, the Belarusian quickly regained control, breaking back with a series of powerful forehand winners before dominating on serve for the remainder of the match.
Sabalenka did not face a single break point after the early stages and produced one of her best serving performances of the tournament, firing 12 aces and winning 83 per cent of points on her first serve.
The top seed's aggressive approach proved decisive. She struck 39 winners compared to Osaka's 20 and mixed her power game with effective drop shots and net play.
Sabalenka won five points outright with drop-shot winners and claimed 10 of 11 points when approaching the net.
Speaking after the match, Osaka acknowledged the effectiveness of Sabalenka's variety.
"All of the people I have played this tournament have hit drop shots. Obviously she's the hardest-hitting one. When she hits a drop shot, it works better because she could hit a winner too if she wanted to," Osaka said.
Sabalenka will next face Diana Shnaider, the 25th seed, who reached her first Grand Slam quarterfinal after defeating Madison Keys in three sets.
With several top players already eliminated from the tournament, Sabalenka remains one of the strongest contenders for the title. She is also one of only two players left in the women's draw who have not dropped a set.
The reigning world No. 1 said she remains focused solely on her own performances and is not distracted by the surprises that have unfolded during the tournament.
"I'm not really overthinking. I was able to separate myself from what's going on this year at Roland Garros. Anything can happen. That's tennis, that's sport," Sabalenka said.
"I'm just trying to focus on myself and make sure that when I'm competing, I'm bringing my best level. I'm doing everything I can to get this trophy," she added.