Aryna Sabalenka has yet to drop a set in Paris as she now looks ahead to her semi-final match.
The Belarusian WTA number one traveled to France with title ambitions, but perhaps didn’t expect to perform as well as she has done so far.
In her opening three matches, Sabalenka did not drop more than three games in a single set, easing past Kamilla Rakhimova, 6-1, 6-0, Jil Teichmann, 6-3, 6-1, and Olga Danilovic, 6-2, 6-3.
Provided with a tougher test in her fourth-round match, Sabalenka defeated Amanda Anisimova, 7-5, 6-3, to set up an intriguing quarterfinal rematch with Qinwen Zheng.
Looking to avenge her recent defeat in Rome, Sabalenka did just that, beating Zheng in straight sets, 7-6, 6-3.
After the match, Sabalenka revealed why she was ‘actually glad’ to have lost to the Chinese star at the Italian Open last month.
Aryna Sabalenka admits she was ‘glad’ to lose to Qinwen Zheng in Rome as she needed ‘a little break’
During her on-court interview, Sabalenka was asked whether she changed anything from their match in Rome ahead of their French Open clash.
“Last tournament, I was pretty exhausted, honestly, at the end of the match, I was actually glad that I lost that match because I needed a little break before Roland Garros,” she said.
“Today I was more fresh, ready to do battle, ready to fight, ready to leave everything I have on court to get this win. I’m really happy with the win.”
Sabalenka lost to Zheng, 4-6, 3-6, in Rome last month, suffering her first career defeat against the world number seven.
Determined to return to winning ways, Sabalenka battled to an impressive win in Paris, despite struggling during the early stages.
Sabalenka now explains how she fought to overturn the deficit in the first set of their quarterfinal match.
“That was a true battle. Honestly, I have no idea how I was able to break her back and get back in the first set,” she said.
“I was just trying to fight and get as many balls as I could back. I didn’t start well, I’m really glad that I found my rhythm and won this match, it was a tough one.”
She then took the time to thank the crowd for their support on Court Philippe Chatrier.
“Oh my god, guys, thank you so much, guys, for the atmosphere, you guys are amazing. Thank you,” said Sabalenka.
Interviewer Marion Bartoli finished off by asking Sabalenka what her goals are for this year’s tournament.
“I think we’re all here for one reason. Everyone wants that beautiful trophy,” she said.
“I’m really glad that I have another opportunity, another semi-final to do better than I did last time.
“I’m ready to go out and compete, fight for every point, I really hope that by the end of the clay court season this year that I’ll be very proud of myself.”
Mats Wilander thinks Aryna Sabalenka proved why she’s world number one during win over Qinwen Zheng
Speaking on TNT Sports after the match, three-time French Open champion Mats Wilander weighed in on Sabalenka’s performance.
“[Aryna] Sabalenka today, struggled a bit in the first set but she played great in the big points,” he said.
“It was really tricky out there, but that’s why she’s number one.”
Former world number four Tim Henman was then asked for his thoughts, as he reflected on Zheng’s strong start.
“On the back of Zheng beating Sabalenka in Rome, she had greater belief, early on she really did get off to a great start,” he said.
“Get that break of serve to go up 2-1 with a big fist bump, holding her serve well, she’s so powerful from the back of the court, going down the line when she gets the opportunity.
“At that stage you felt that she had a good opportunity.”
The Brit explained how Sabalenka was able to turn things around and book her place in the semi-finals.
“A couple of double faults cost her [Zheng] on serve at the end of the first set, Sabalenka started to find her rhythm, her firepower is equally impressive,” said Henman.
“Tough match for both players, Sabalenka with that extra bit of variation, she’s brought in that drop shot, a little bit of slice as well.”
Sabalenka will now get set to take on either Iga Swiatek or Elina Svitolina in the last four.
The Belarusian will return to the court for her semi-final match on Thursday, June 5.
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