SABALENKA FENDS OFF KASATKINA TO SET UP FRENCH OPEN LAST-16 CLASH WITH OSAKA
In a striking demonstration of skill and determination, Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s top-ranked player, delivered an impressive performance at the French Open by defeating Australia’s Daria Kasatkina with a score of 6-0, 7-5 on Saturday. This victory secured her place in the fourth round, particularly significant following the surprising exits of top seed Jannik Sinner and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, which had sent shockwaves through Roland Garros over the previous 48 hours.
“It has definitely been a great week,” Sabalenka remarked during her post-match interview, radiating satisfaction with her performance. “I’m happy to be through to the second week, happy with my level, and to be able to handle the fight that she brought and get a straight-sets win.” In a heartfelt moment, she expressed her gratitude toward the audience, saying, “Thank you. Honestly, that’s just a dream to play in front of you all and feel the support.”
At 28, this match marked a notable milestone for Sabalenka, as it was her 100th victory as the world number one—a feat achieved by only eight other players in the history of the WTA rankings, including legends such as Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf, and Serena Williams. “I’ve got goosebumps,” she stated, reflecting on the significance of this achievement after overcoming her previous struggles with inconsistent performance and service issues. “It means the world to me, and I’m just happy that in the tough moments I stayed tough. I was fighting and never gave up, and that is what it has brought me. I’m super proud of myself and my team. We’ve reached an amazing level that felt impossible.”
Sabalenka wasted no time establishing her dominance on the sun-kissed Court Suzanne Lenglen, claiming the first five games through a combination of powerful baseline strokes and deft net play, ultimately achieving a decisive first-set bagel. In the second set, Kasatkina, who has represented Australia since last year, rallied to break and hold serve, prompting enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. However, an unforced error from her allowed Sabalenka to regain her footing at 2-2, maintaining her lead as the match progressed. Ultimately, she intensified her game to complete her victory, making it her eighth win in 10 encounters against Kasatkina.
This quarter-final set up will see Sabalenka face Naomi Osaka, another four-time Grand Slam title holder. With the goal of clinching her first title in Paris, Sabalenka heads into this crucial match with a favorable 2-1 record against Osaka, having finished as the runner-up to Coco Gauff in the previous year’s tournament.
