Daijiworld Media Network - Paris

Paris, Jun 1: World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has praised Naomi Osaka for her resurgence on the tennis circuit but warned that she is prepared to do “whatever it takes” to secure victory when the two meet in the fourth round of the French Open on Monday.

The top-seeded Belarusian has enjoyed a dominant run at French Open so far, reaching the round of 16 without dropping a set. She registered straight-set victories over Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, Elsa Jacquemot and Daria Kasatkina.

The upcoming clash will mark the third meeting between Sabalenka and Osaka in as many months.

In March, Sabalenka defeated the four-time Grand Slam champion 6-2, 6-4 in the fourth round of the Indian Wells tournament. The pair met again in Madrid, where the Belarusian prevailed 6-7(1), 6-3, 6-2 after a hard-fought three-set contest.

Sabalenka acknowledged Osaka's progress, especially after the Japanese star reached the fourth round of the French Open for the first time in her career.

"It's great to see her getting back to her level. She may not be at the peak of her form yet, but she's back, she's fighting, and she's rebuilding her game. It's nice to see her; she's a great player and a wonderful person," Sabalenka said.

The Belarusian added that she enjoys playing against opponents who push her to perform at her highest level.

"I really enjoy our matchups. They are very high-level matches, and I love it when someone pushes me to give my best. The last match in Madrid was very tight and high quality. She really raised her level in that encounter," she said.

Sabalenka stressed that she expects another intense battle when the two players face off at Roland Garros.

"I'm ready for the battle, ready to go on court and fight for this match and for this victory. I feel ready to do whatever it takes to win," she added.

Although Sabalenka enters the contest as the favourite, the Belarusian made it clear that she has great respect for Osaka and is not underestimating the 16th-seeded former world No. 1 ahead of their highly anticipated French Open showdown.