Favorites Sabalenka, Rybakina Remain On SF Collision Course At French Open; Navarro Bests Keys
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Bottom half favorites Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina have yet to be bothered at all after three rounds of play at the French Open.
Sabalenka dispatched good friend Paula Badosa from a break down in the first taking 10 of the last 11 games to win it 7-5, 6-1.
“It’s tough to play your best friend,” Sabalenka said on court. “She’s an incredible player, coming back after injury, and I’m pretty sure she’s going to be back on top very soon. It’s very tough, but we’re good to separate things.”
The Australian Open champion has now made the last 16 at her last seven Slams, and she’s 20-0 in sets this year in Slams.
Rybakina opened the day on Chatrier cruising past No. 25 Elise Mertens in straights 6-4, 6-2. Rybakina broke five times in the match en route to her second French Open fourth round.
On Lenglen, Emma Navarro scored a minor upset knocking out countrywoman and former semifinalist Madison Keys in two breakers 7-6(5), 7-6(3). It’s the 23-year-old Navarro’s first Slam fourth round.
Also, Frenchwoman Varvara Gracheva got by Irina-Camelia Begu 7-5, 6-3. No. 12 Jasmine Paolini dismissed former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu 6-1, 3-6, 6-0 and 15th-seeded Elina Svitolina got over on Ana Bogdan of Romania 7-5, 6-2
Teen sensation Mirra Andreeva cooled off the streaking Peyton Stearns in straights 6-2, 6-1 and Elina Avanesyan surprised the No. 7 seed and Australian Open finalist Zheng Qinwen in a match that went the distance 3-6, 6-3, 7-6[10-6].
Andreeva will now face Gracheva.
“We’ve been practicing together for almost two years, so I know what to expect,” Andreeva said of Gracheva. “She’s at a great level right now.
“I know it’s going to be hard. Probably we’re going to play some big court. She’s French, you know, all this stuff. So it’s going to be pretty tough for me. Of course, the atmosphere, everyone will cheer for her. But I’m really excited about that match because it’s challenging for me.”
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