Roland Garros 2024 Women’s Day 9

Grand Slam champions Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina pounded out decisive wins in barely an hour each on Monday to begin Week 2 at the French Open by running down opponents.

Two-time Australian Open holder Sabalenka took quick revenge for a March loss at Indian Wells, defeating Emma Navarro 6-2, 6-3 in 69 minutes.

That was the same time it took for former Wimbledon champion Rybakina to reach her ninth quarter-final of the season 6-4, 6-3 over Elina Svitoliona.

Second seed Sabalenka began and ended the match with breaks of the Navarro serve, piling on with 36 winners and just a dozen unforced errors in dry, pleasant conditions.

“With the sun you feel more positive on court,” the winner said. “There was a bit of wind but I was focusing on myself and each point.

“We had a tough battle at Indian Wells so I was ready to fight for every point.

“I knew there would be long rallies and that I would have to work to get through this match.”

She added: “I felt quite confident: I was playing really great tennis when it was cold.

“Today I played really great tennis as well… it was warm with different
conditions.

“I would say it doesn’t matter which condition, all that matters is how focused I’m going to be.”

Kazakh fourth seed Rybakina equalled her best showing at Roland Garros – a 2021 quarter-final – with her defeat of Svitolina.

.”I’m playing the same style (on clay), she said. “I need to play aggressive, and I just need to have more patience in rallies.

“Today I was making some unforced errors because I was rushing. But I think it’s all about the footwork in these long rallies in the end

“I’m really happy to be in the quarter-finals. I’m looking forward to the next matches.”

Four-time Paris quarter-finalist Svitolina was unable to make an impression in the match as she was broken three times.

Rybakina nearly balanced her wins (26) and unforced errors (23) as she posted a 13th career win at the venue.

The match was played in sunshine as the start of Week 2 finally brought some sun after a rainy week.

“It’s nice to have some good weather and play with a roof,” the winner said. “The ball bounces a bit more but I’m enjoying the weather.”

Svitolina, who has been managing a back problem since the start of the season, said her fitness is still a work in progress.

“I feel like I’m getting better physically. I’m not 100 per cent yet, but I

feel like we are doing everything possible every single day with
my team to get there, to give myself a good chance.

“I’ve had great matches here, which already is a big step for me. Coming into this tournament I was not feeling good. 

“I was not in the right place, but then I fought hard and I actually found myself in the fourth round and playing not bad.”

Rybakina will bid for the semi-finals against Jasmine Paolini after the Italian 12th seed staged a comeback to defeat Elina Avanesyan 4-6, 6-0, 6-1.

Paolini is into a Grand Slam quarter-final for the first time in her sixth appearance in Paris; she is the sixth from her nation to advance this far at the event.

“It feels so good and I’m really happy. Today was a tough match,” Paolini said.

“I didn’t start so well, I was a little bit nervous maybe.

“But then I repeat to myself to stay calm and to try to find a way. It went well, so I’m really happy.”

Main photo:- Aryna Sabalenka winning today – by Roger Parker,I nternational Sports Fotos