PARIS — World number one Aryna Sabalenka delivered another dominant performance at Roland Garros on Saturday, storming into the fourth round of the French Open with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory over Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova. The Belarusian powerhouse, seeking her first French Open title, showcased her trademark aggression and precision, overpowering her opponent in just 68 minutes.
Sabalenka, who has now won 11 consecutive Grand Slam matches following her Australian Open triumph in January, remains a formidable contender in Paris. "I feel like I'm improving with every match," Sabalenka said in her post-match press conference. "Clay isn’t my natural surface, but I’m adapting well and playing with confidence."
Sabalenka’s Relentless Dominance
The two-time Grand Slam champion has yet to drop a set in this year’s tournament, demonstrating her ability to transition seamlessly from hard courts to clay. Against Rakhimova, Sabalenka fired 27 winners and converted five of her eight break points, leaving her opponent with no answers.
Key aspects of Sabalenka’s performance included:
- Her first-serve win rate of 82%, keeping Rakhimova under constant pressure.
- Her ability to dictate play from the baseline, hitting deep, powerful groundstrokes.
- Her improved movement on clay, a surface she has historically struggled with.
Swiatek Cruises Past Bouzkova
Defending champion Iga Swiatek also advanced to the fourth round with a clinical 6-4, 6-2 win over Czech player Marie Bouzkova. The world number two, who is chasing her third French Open title, showcased her trademark consistency and tactical intelligence.
"I knew Marie would be a tough opponent because she’s very solid," Swiatek said. "But I stayed patient, focused on my game, and found the right moments to attack."
Swiatek’s victory extended her Roland Garros winning streak to 16 matches, a testament to her dominance on clay. The Pole has now won 30 of her last 31 matches at the tournament, with her only loss coming in the 2021 quarterfinals.
Key Stats from Swiatek’s Win
- Swiatek won 78% of her first-serve points, limiting Bouzkova’s break opportunities.
- She converted four of her seven break points, capitalizing on Bouzkova’s weaker second serve.
- Her relentless baseline game forced Bouzkova into 22 unforced errors.
Looking Ahead: Fourth-Round Challenges
Sabalenka will next face American Emma Navarro, who upset 14th seed Madison Keys in straight sets. Navarro, ranked 22nd, presents a different challenge with her counterpunching style, but Sabalenka remains the heavy favorite.
Swiatek, meanwhile, will take on Anastasia Potapova, who defeated China’s Wang Xinyu in three sets. Potapova has never beaten Swiatek in their three previous meetings, but the Russian has shown flashes of brilliance this season.
"Every match is a new challenge," Swiatek said. "I respect all my opponents, but I’m here to win, and I’ll keep pushing myself to play better."
The Road to the Title
With both Sabalenka and Swiatek in ominous form, the prospect of a blockbuster final between the world’s top two players looms large. Sabalenka, however, must first navigate a tricky path that could include a semifinal clash with Elena Rybakina, while Swiatek’s biggest test may come against Coco Gauff in the last four.
Sabalenka’s power game contrasts sharply with Swiatek’s precision and consistency, setting the stage for a potential classic. "Iga is the queen of clay, but I believe I can beat anyone if I play my best," Sabalenka remarked.
As the tournament progresses, the battle for the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen intensifies. With both Sabalenka and Swiatek in peak form, fans can expect high-quality tennis in the coming rounds.
The French Open continues to deliver thrilling matches, and with the women’s draw narrowing, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will Sabalenka claim her maiden Roland Garros title, or will Swiatek further cement her legacy as the modern-day clay-court queen?
One thing is certain: the next week in Paris promises to be unforgettable.