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Aryna Sabalenka will face Naomi Osaka in a blockbuster fourth-round clash at the French Open.
World number one Sabalenka is yet to drop a set and claimed a 6-0, 7-5 victory over Russian-turned-Australian Daria Kasatkina, while Osaka survived a close battle against American teenager Iva Jovic.
The 16th seed’s 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (3-7), 6-4 victory means she is through to the last 16 in Paris for the first time, where she will take on the top seed in a fourth meeting.
Osaka famously won their first match back in 2018 on the way to her maiden grand slam title at the US Open but Sabalenka has won the last two, including a close battle on the clay in Madrid last month.
“I feel like I played a pretty good match in Madrid,” said Osaka. “I think I just dipped in the second and third set. Hopefully just keep the consistency and keep trying to be aggressive. Whatever happens, happens.”
Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo has been heavily criticised for not scheduling women’s contests in the one-match night session on Court Philippe Chatrier, with the last one taking place back in 2023.
Whether this match makes the cut remains to be seen, and Osaka has mixed feelings about the idea.
“In one point, I understand, because they would be popcorn matches,” said the Japanese star.
“But I’m so used to not playing night matches here and playing night matches in the US Open or something like that that I don’t even associate this tournament with night matches.”
Having not faced each other for nearly eight years, Osaka and Sabalenka will now meet for a third time in less than three months.
“It’s great to see her back on her level,” said Sabalenka. “Maybe not at her best level, but she’s back, she’s fighting, she’s building her level. She’s a great player, great person.
“I really enjoy our battles. It’s high-level matches, and I really enjoy when somebody pushes me to the limit.”
France’s Diane Parry, who arrived at her post-match press conference wearing a Paris Saint-Germain shirt in anticipation of the team's Champions League final against Arsenal, pulled off the result of the day with a 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (10-3) victory over Wimbledon and US Open finalist Amanda Anisimova.
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World number one Sabalenka is yet to drop a set and claimed a 6-0, 7-5 victory over Russian-turned-Australian Daria Kasatkina, while Osaka survived a close battle against American teenager Iva Jovic.
The 16th seed’s 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (3-7), 6-4 victory means she is through to the last 16 in Paris for the first time, where she will take on the top seed in a fourth meeting.
Osaka famously won their first match back in 2018 on the way to her maiden grand slam title at the US Open but Sabalenka has won the last two, including a close battle on the clay in Madrid last month.
“I feel like I played a pretty good match in Madrid,” said Osaka. “I think I just dipped in the second and third set. Hopefully just keep the consistency and keep trying to be aggressive. Whatever happens, happens.”
Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo has been heavily criticised for not scheduling women’s contests in the one-match night session on Court Philippe Chatrier, with the last one taking place back in 2023.
Whether this match makes the cut remains to be seen, and Osaka has mixed feelings about the idea.
“In one point, I understand, because they would be popcorn matches,” said the Japanese star.
“But I’m so used to not playing night matches here and playing night matches in the US Open or something like that that I don’t even associate this tournament with night matches.”
Having not faced each other for nearly eight years, Osaka and Sabalenka will now meet for a third time in less than three months.
“It’s great to see her back on her level,” said Sabalenka. “Maybe not at her best level, but she’s back, she’s fighting, she’s building her level. She’s a great player, great person.
“I really enjoy our battles. It’s high-level matches, and I really enjoy when somebody pushes me to the limit.”
France’s Diane Parry, who arrived at her post-match press conference wearing a Paris Saint-Germain shirt in anticipation of the team's Champions League final against Arsenal, pulled off the result of the day with a 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (10-3) victory over Wimbledon and US Open finalist Amanda Anisimova.
Continue reading...
