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Aryna Sabalenka says how she’s finding the heat in Paris this year after Jannik Sinner’s struggles

Photo by Ibrahim Ezzat/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Ibrahim Ezzat/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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Aryna Sabalenka continued her quest for a maiden Roland Garros by beating home hope Elsa Jacquemot in the second round.

The Belarusian, who lost in the final of the tournament last year, defeated Jacquemot in straight sets, 7-5, 6-2, to advance to round three.

Sabalenka will take on Daria Kasatkina in her next match at the French Open, against whom she leads 7-2 at tour-level events.

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So far, the world number one has yet to put a foot wrong in Paris, and has not appeared to struggle with the tough conditions.

Aryna Sabalenka celebrates.
Photo by Ibrahim Ezzat/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Aryna Sabalenka discusses conditions at Roland Garros

Asked about the heat in her post-match press conference, Sabalenka said: “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.”

Men’s number one Jannik Sinner crashed out of the tournament in the second round, and said he felt ‘dizzy’ during his daytime match on Court Philippe Chatrier.

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Jannik Sinner looks dejected in Paris.
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Sabalenka said of Sinner: “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.”

Jannik Sinner looks down at Roland Garros.
Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images

Aryna Sabalenka says improvement in her net game was needed

Sabalenka has been the number one women’s player in the world for quite some time now, but she continues to make adjustments to her game.

Speaking about her improvements at the net, she said: “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 appointed former doubles world number one Max Mirnyi last summer.