PARIS — World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka overcame a sluggish start to power past Switzerland’s Jil Teichmann 6-2, 6-2 in the second round of the French Open, reaffirming her status as one of the tournament favorites.
A Slow Start, Then Dominance
Sabalenka, the reigning Australian Open champion, initially struggled to find her rhythm against the left-handed Teichmann, committing unforced errors and facing early break points. However, once she settled into the match, the Belarusian’s trademark power and precision took over. "I knew I had to stay calm and trust my game," Sabalenka said in her post-match interview. "Jil is a tough opponent, especially on clay, but I found my level and controlled the points better as the match went on."
The turning point came in the fifth game of the first set, where Sabalenka saved two break points before holding serve. From there, she won nine of the next 11 games, showcasing her ability to dictate play with her aggressive baseline game.
Key Factors in Sabalenka’s Win
Sabalenka’s victory was built on several strengths:
- First Serve Dominance: She won 78% of points behind her first serve, limiting Teichmann’s opportunities to attack.
- Forehand Firepower: Her forehand was particularly lethal, producing 18 winners.
- Improved Movement: Despite clay not being her preferred surface, Sabalenka moved well, adapting to the slower conditions.
Teichmann, ranked No. 113, fought valiantly but struggled to handle Sabalenka’s pace. "Aryna was just too strong today," the Swiss player admitted. "When she’s in that zone, it’s really hard to stop her."
Looking Ahead to Round Three
Sabalenka will face either Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova or Spain’s Paula Badosa in the next round. With her confidence growing, she appears poised for a deep run at Roland Garros. "I’m taking it one match at a time, but I feel good," she said. "Every win here is important, and I’m ready for the next challenge."
Tournament Context
Sabalenka’s performance is particularly significant given the absence of defending champion Iga Świątek, who withdrew due to injury. As the top seed, Sabalenka is now the player to beat, and her form suggests she’s up to the task.
Conclusion: A Statement Win
After a shaky start, Sabalenka’s dominant display against Teichmann sent a clear message to her rivals. Her ability to elevate her game under pressure makes her a formidable contender for the title. "I’m here to win," she declared. "I’ve worked hard for this, and I believe in myself."
With her power, mental resilience, and growing clay-court prowess, Sabalenka’s surge into the third round keeps her on track for a potential second Grand Slam title of the year.