Aryna Sabalenka is into the next round of the French Open after defeating Kamilla Rakhimova in straight sets 6-1, 6-0.
The Belarusian has now made it into the second round of Roland Garros for the seventh straight year.
Sabalenka has also matched Serena Williams‘ record, becoming the top-seeded player with the fewest games conceded in her opening match at the tournament since the American in 2013.
As the first seed in Paris, Sabalenka is a heavy favourite to win it all, and spoke on what it will take after her first-round triumph.
Aryna Sabalenka says she is physically and mentally ready for the French Open
Speaking after the match, Sabalenka said: “I think in Rome, I was kind of like exhausted. It was a lot, and I had a little break after Rome, a few days off. I enjoyed the city, enjoyed Paris, and I was back to work”
When asked what it will take to win the trophy, she answered: “I think physically I have to be ready to work hard for every point. Physically and mentally, I’ve been ready, so I’ll be very proud of myself at the end of the clay court season this year.
“I’m trying so hard to build the love here, and hopefully after one year I’ll be like okay I’m in love with this place.”
The world number one said of her draw: “I’m not really looking far in the draw. I’m trying to take it step by step, but of course nowadays it’s impossible not to know things.
“I saw the predictions, usually most of the time they never work, so I’m like whatever. Whatever the prediction is, I’m just gonna take it step by step.”
Aryna Sabalenka’s second-round opponent at the French Open
Following her victory over Rakhimova, Sabalenka will play Jil Teichmann in the second round.
Teichmann also won her opening round in straight sets, defeating Lucrezia Stefanini to set up a clash with the three-time Grand Slam champion.
The two have only played once before at the Qatar Open in 2022, where Sabalenka earned a dominant win against the Swiss player 6-2, 6-1.
It’s been over three years since their last clash, however, and Teichmann will look to tie the head-to-head to book her place in the third round.
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