PARIS : Second seed Aryna Sabalenka temporarily put her friendship with Spaniard Paula Badosa on the back burner to secure a hard-fought 7-5 6-1 third-round victory at the French Open on Saturday and keep alive her hopes of a maiden Roland Garros title.
Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 1, 2024 Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka hugs Spain's Paula Badosa after winning her third round match REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq
Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 1, 2024 Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka in action during her third round match against Spain's Paula Badosa REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq The pair have enjoyed a strong bond since 2021 but there was no quarter given in a see-sawing first set as they swapped early breaks before Badosa attacked Sabalenka's powerful serve in the sixth game, edging ahead with a return that hit the net cord.
Last year's semi-finalist hit a monster forehand to go up 6-5 and came up with a delightful backhand slice from the deep en route to closing out the opening set, as world number 139 Badosa reflected on her missed opportunities.
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