Aryna Sabalenka will face Naomi Osaka in a blockbuster fourth-round clash at the French Open.
World No 1 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.
A 7-6 (5) 6-7 (3) 6-4 victory for the 16th seed – who has made headlines with her outfits at Roland Garros this week and was decked all in gold once more – 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.
open image in galleryOsaka 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.
open image in galleryWhether 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.”
open image in galleryFrance’s Diane Parry, who arrived at her post-match press conference wearing a Paris Saint-Germain shirt ahead of their Champions League final against Arsenal today, 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.
The 23-year-old Parry, ranked 92nd in the world, is the last French player left in the women’s singles draw and delighted the home crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier by reaching the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time in here career.
“I’m so happy I have experienced this match in this atmosphere, you were exceptional,” she said to the crowd on court after her match. “It was a big day with my match and PSG’s final awaiting us!”