Conclusive victory for number one
Aryna Sabalenka, leader of the world ranking, eliminated Naomi Osaka with sets of 7-5 and 6-3 in the round of 16 at Roland Garros. The duel, which was the first women’s night game in three years in Paris, lasted one hour and 27 minutes.
Osaka entered the court in a striking gold outfit, while Sabalenka opted for a black dress with transparencies and her characteristic diamond necklaces. But the Belarusian’s power ruled the scoreboard, as she hit a forehand winner on her first match point.
“The atmosphere and attention of this match will show that they should consider more women’s duels in the evening,” said Sabalenka.
The opponent in the quarterfinals will be the Russian Diana Shnaider, who eliminated Madison Keys 6-3, 3-6, 6-0.
Surprises and the Italian legion
The Frenchwoman Diane Parry fell to the Polish Maja Chwalinska (114th), who comes from qualifying and had never passed the second round in a major. Chwalinska will now face Anna Kalinskaya, another Russian who beat Anastasia Potapova in a tight third set.
In the men’s draw, three Italians advanced to the quarterfinals. Flavio Cobolli, Matteo Berrettini and Matteo Arnaldi secured their place. Cobolli beat Zachary Svajda and then celebrated with PSG players on the court. Berrettini defeated Juan Manuel Cerúndolo, and Arnaldi eliminated Frances Tiafoe in a marathon of five hours 26 minutes. Berrettini and Arnaldi will face each other, guaranteeing an Italian in the semi-finals.
Fourth-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime also advanced by beating Chilean Alejandro Tabilo. “Not having Sinner in the semis is an opportunity, but you have to be there,” commented the Canadian.
