French Open 2023: Aryna Sabalenka withstands brave Sloane Stephens fightback to reach Roland-Garros quarter-finals

Arnya Sabalenka advanced to the quarter-finals of the French Open following a 7-6(5) 6-4 win over Sloane Stephens. In the first match women were given the evening match on Philippe-Chatrier, the fans were certainly given their money’s worth in a thrilling first set. Ad Sabalenka looked to be in total control as she raced into a 5-0 lead with Stephens unable to find her rhythm.

Twice breaking Stephens' serve, Sabalenka threatened to embarrass the American, but things swiftly took a turn as Stephens pulled out a love hold to stop the rot. Roland-GarrosStephens v Sabalenka — French Open highlightsAN HOUR AGO After the American won her first game she broke Sabalenka to make it 5-2. 30-40 down in the next game, Stephens was facing break and set point but survived.

She broke Sabalenka again in the next game before once again finding herself deep in trouble. 5-4 down and serving to level the match, Stephens was trailing 15-40. Showing serious resilience, the American stayed alive and levelled the match.

The pair swapped service games to take the first set to a tiebreaker. Stephens led 4-2 but Sabalenka won five of the next six points to take the set. After 63 minutes of play, the World No.

2 had been put through her paces but was in a strong position. Sabalenka was playing all of the big shots, while Stephens was forced onto the defensive. Their unforced error count, Sabalenka made 25 to Stephens’ 11 in the first set, showed a real difference in approach.

Stephens and Sabalenka swapped service games through the first four games of the second set. Sabalenka picked up a key break, before holding to love to move into a 4-2 lead. As fast as she had moved into that commanding position, Sabalenka saw it crumble.