Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one and top seed, advanced comfortably to the French Open last 16 after a convincing 6-2, 6-3 victory over Serbia’s Olga Danilovic on Friday.
The Belarusian star dominated the 34th-ranked Danilovic in just 79 minutes under the bright sun on Court Philippe Chatrier.
“I’m really happy with the win. Olga is a tough competitor,” said the three-time Grand Slam champion. “Here at Roland Garros, it’s all about dreams — I always give my all.”
At 27, Sabalenka is still seeking her breakthrough beyond the semi-finals in Paris. Her next challenge is against 16th seed Amanda Anisimova, the American who defeated 22nd-seeded Clara Tauson 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 in the third round.
In other news from Roland Garros, Jannik Sinner brought a poignant end to Richard Gasquet’s illustrious career with a commanding win on Thursday, while Novak Djokovic continued his pursuit of Grand Slam glory.
World number one Sinner dispatched the 38-year-old Frenchman, competing in his 22nd and final French Open, 6-3, 6-0, 6-4 in under two hours on the same Philippe Chatrier court.
Returning from a three-month doping suspension at the Italian Open in May, where he reached the final before falling to reigning Roland Garros champion Carlos Alcaraz, Sinner showed impressive form. After saving three break points to close out the first set, he controlled the rest of the match with authority.
AFP
