The world no. 1 Iga Swiatek was joined by her main rivals for Roland Garros as Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina eased past their way into the third round after impressive wins.
Swaitek, who won the last two Roland Garros, defeated Naomi Osaka in one of the most thrilling matches of the tournament so far as she saved a match point and came back from 5-2 down in the third set. While Sabalenka and Rybakina didn’t have to break a sweat as they won in straight sets.
Sabalenka defeated Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima 6-2 6-2 on Wednesday after which she talked to the press and admitted that she was watching yesterday’s encounter between Swiatek and Osaka.
“I watched yesterday. Yeah, it was just incredible to see Naomi back on the top level,” said Salalenka.
“She played really great tennis, and it was incredible to see Iga save that match. Yeah, it was great-level match.”
Sabalenka will now face her best friend Paula Badosa, who came from a set down to beat Yulia Putintseva in a three-set battle, in the third round and admitted that it is always tough to play against your friend.
“It’s always tough to play your friend, your really best friend on tour, I would say,” she added.
“It’s always tough, but we know how to manage that. We know how to separate court and life.
“So it’s always a great battle, great fight against her. I always enjoy playing against her. So we kind of, like, we’re good to separate things.”
