French Open 2023: Aryna Sabalenka storms into fourth round at Roland-Garros with straight-sets win

Aryna Sabalenka’s bid for French Open glory continued on Friday as the second seed made short work of Kamilla Rakhimova in a dominant 6-2 6-2 third-round win. The Australian Open champion needed just 67 minutes on court to wrap up a powerful victory, landing six aces and 27 winners along the way. Ad Sabalenka, who is yet to drop a set at Roland-Garros, will face Sloane Stephens or Yulia Putintseva next.

Roland-GarrosFrench Open order of play, Day 6 — Djokovic, Alcaraz, Sabalenka in third-round action16 HOURS AGO “It feels amazing to feel the support and to be on this court, with the opportunity to play tennis and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s something special to play [at Roland-Garros],” said Sabalenka. “I think every tournament is different.

Roland-Garros is completely different to Australia; a different surface. “It’s good to have a Grand Slam in the pocket, it gives you belief. Every time on the court I try to play my best and do well here in Paris.” The first five games stayed on serve, but Sabalenka moved into another gear when she found herself 0-30 down at 2-2 and started a run of seven consecutive games.

Two double faults from Rakhimova helped set up two break points and the world No. 2 took the first, before breaking again after a hold to take the first set in 31 minutes. 'Here we go again!' – Rublev slams his racquet after bad miss Kasatkina flattens Stearns to continue impressive French Open run ‘They prefer me to miss’ — Jabeur doesn’t feel ‘appreciated’ by ‘difficult’ crowd Sabalenka was cruising to victory at 4-2 and 40-15 up, but a spirited fightback from Rakhimova earned her a surprising first break point of the match.