Two of the big hitters in the women's game – second seed Aryna Sabalenka and fourth seed Elena Rybakina – powered their way into the fourth round at the French Open on Saturday with respective straight sets victories over Paula Badosa and Elise Mertens. Rybakina appeared out of sorts during the early stages of her match on Court Philippe Chatrier against the 25th seed. Her Belgian opponent failed to profit from the lapse after breaking to lead 3-2.She promptly coughed up her own serve to make it
Sabalenka won 7-5 6-1 to reach the fourth round.
World number two Aryna Sabalenka stormed back to defeat close friend Paula Badosa and reach the French Open last 16 on Saturday as Novak Djokovic took aim at equalling Roger Federer's record for Grand Slam match wins.Sabalenka, a semi-finalist in 2023, has made at least the last four at her past six Grand Slams and is expected to be Iga Swiatek's chief rival in the Pole's bid for a fourth French Open title.