Sabalenka overcomes slow start to beat Jacquemot at Roland Garros
Aryna Sabalenka moved a step closer to her first French Open title with a straight-sets win over Elsa Jacquemot in the second round.
The Belarusian, who reached the final last year, came through 7-5, 6-2 to book her spot in round three. She will face Daria Kasatkina next, a player she has beaten seven times in nine previous meetings on the tour.
Sabalenka has looked composed so far in Paris and hasn’t been troubled by the challenging conditions that have affected some of her rivals.
Aryna Sabalenka gives her thoughts on conditions at Roland Garros
Speaking after the match, Sabalenka played down any issues with the heat: “I have to say I survived Miami, a couple of weeks in July. I survived Dubai in September, which is extremely hot conditions. So I am kind of okay with this heat.
“I would say that I try to stay extra hydrated. I make sure that I drink electrolytes and during the match stay cool, ice all over. If there is a little shade I will go there and cool down a little bit, so I guess that is everything that you can do.”
Sinner said he felt ‘dizzy’ during his loss on Court Philippe Chatrier. When asked about his exit, Sabalenka expressed sympathy: “I felt so bad for him. I always cheer for Jannik, and to see him struggle like that was really painful to see.”
“I was rooting til the very last moment. I was hoping for him to win. I wasn’t really thinking about my schedule. If I start later it’s okay for me.”
“I was just worried he’s not gonna close the match. Sad for him, but I’m pretty sure he’s gonna come back even stronger. Time to do some recovery, some rest, and be ready for grass court for him. But sad to see him leaving that early.”
Aryna Sabalenka on why she had to improve her net game
Sabalenka has held the top spot in the women’s rankings for a while now, but she’s still looking to sharpen her skills. Reflecting on her development at the net, she explained: “I felt like it was much needed in my game, especially against someone like Coco.
“My opponent forced me to go to the net and I felt like I was good in doubles but the game at the net in singles is a bit different, so I felt I had to improve that.
“That is why Max [Mirnyi] is there, but to be honest, it’s not only for the net. He is a really smart guy, analysing a lot and helping a lot with different stuff.”
Sabalenka brought in former doubles world number one Max Mirnyi last summer.
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