French Open 2023: Aryna Sabalenka's title bid continues with straight-sets win over Iryna Shymanovich

Aryna Sabalenka is safely through to the third round of the French Open after beating qualifier Iryna Shymanovich 7-5 6-2 with a solid if unspectacular performance. The second seed is yet to drop a set at Roland-Garros so far after her two wins, and will face Magdalena Frech or Kamilla Rakhimova next in her bid for a second Grand Slam title of the year.

Ad Sabalenka edged a tight first set by breaking late to avoid a tie-break, while two early breaks in the second set helped her on her way to a routine win in one hour and 27 minutes. Roland-GarrosSabalenka is 'top three' challenger at French Open after impressive start — Rittner28/05/2023 AT 18:19 Although she cut a frustrated figure at times, the Belarusian rarely looked in trouble and finished with 85% first-serve points won and 21 winners to her name.

«It was tough. She played great, and I’m happy that I managed to fight for every point no matter what,» Sabalenka said on court afterwards.

«I’m not happy with my game today, and I'll be working on short balls and approach shots. I’ll work more now and be ready for the next game, even more ready than I was for today.» 'He is a complete player' — McEnroe gushes over Alcaraz game and talent 'Best shot of the tournament so far!' — Kasatkina's 'utterly outrageous' tweener Blinkova stuns local favourite Garcia in three-set thriller to reach third round The 25-year-old has struggled in Paris in previous years, never making it past the third round, but she's among the favourites for the 2023 title after claiming the Madrid Open title earlier this month and the Australian Open in January.