Aryna Sabalenka defeated Elsa Jacquemot, 7-5, 6-2, to reach the third round of the French Open.
The world number one moved one step closer to a maiden Roland Garros title with a straight-sets win over Jacquemot.
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After the match, Sabalenka had a message for the French fans, who were in fine voice supporting one of their own on Thursday afternoon.
Aryna Sabalenka thanks the French fans for being ‘so respectful’ at Roland Garros this year
“That’s a tricky match, tricky opponent. She played really incredible tennis, forcing me to step in and play another level,” said Sabalenka.
“I’m happy I could handle it and get the win.
“I have to say thank you guys, you’ve been so respectful to me.
“I know you wanted her to win, but thank you for your respect, thank you.”
Sabalenka appreciated the crowd, and the crowd appreciated her, as she delivered another fine performance on Court Philippe Chatrier.
“I was just trying to remind myself that I’m really strong and I can handle it, and that I have to work as fast as possible with my legs, accelerate the racket, and try to put the balls back on that side, try to stay aggressive, and put as much pressure as I can on her.
“I’m super happy that I was able to raise the level in those really tight and key moments of the match.”
Sabalenka wasn’t quite at her best, but didn’t need to be, booking her spot in round three.
During TNT Sports’ post-match coverage, former British number one Johanna Konta gave her verdict on Sabalenka’s performance.
“I think Aryna [Sabalenka] is a master of playing her way into Slams,” said Konta.
“We will never see her best tennis at the beginning, but what she does incredibly well, is even when she’s not playing well, even when she’s kind of not feeling great, she’s full speed ahead, going through it.
“Sooner or later, she finds her footing. I think she’s brilliant at that, because her game is both very small margins, but she is unbelievable at making it consistent.”
Who will Aryna Sabalenka play in the third round of Roland Garros?
Next up for Sabalenka is a tricky test against Australia’s Daria Kasatkina.
Like Sabalenka, the Aussie won her first two matches in straight sets, defeating Zeynep Sonmez and Susan Bandecchi.
Kasatkina is a former semi-finalist at Roland Garros, and will be looking to record a big win when she meets Sabalenka in the third round.
She has beaten the world number one before, picking up wins in Silicon Valley and Beijing, but it’s Sabalenka who has dominated their head-to-head.
Aryna Sabalenka and Daria Kasatkina’s head-to-head record (7-2)
| Match | Winner | Loser | Score |
| 2024 Berlin Open – 2R | Aryna Sabalenka | Daria Kasatkina | 6-1, 6-4 |
| 2024 Brisbane International – QF | Aryna Sabalenka | Daria Kasatkina | 6-1, 6-4 |
| 2023 US Open – 4R | Aryna Sabalenka | Daria Kasatkina | 6-1, 6-3 |
| 2023 Cincinnati Open – 3R | Aryna Sabalenka | Daria Kasatkina | 6-3, 6-3 |
| 2022 Silicon Valley Classic – QF | Daria Kasatkina | Aryna Sabalenka | 4-6, 7-5, 6-0 |
| 2021 Madrid Open – 2R | Aryna Sabalenka | Daria Kasatkina | 6-3, 6-3 |
| 2021 Australian Open – 2R | Aryna Sabalenka | Daria Kasatkina | 7-6, 6-3 |
| 2020 French Open – 2R | Aryna Sabalenka | Daria Kasatkina | 7-6, 6-0 |
| 2019 China Open – 2R | Daria Kasatkina | Aryna Sabalenka | 6-4, 7-6 |
It is worth noting that they haven’t met since 2024, though, and have only played twice before on clay.
Sabalenka won both matches, and will walk on court as the heavy favourite to win a third on Saturday.
The winner of Sabalenka and Kasatkina’s third-round match will advance to play Iva Jovic or Naomi Osaka in the last 16.
