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World number one Aryna Sabalenka advanced to her fourth consecutive French Open quarter-final after defeating Naomi Osaka in straight sets. The 28-year-old showcased her appreciation for the crowd, even moonwalking on court. Sabalenka’s match was the first women's singles night session on Court Philippe Chatrier since 2023 and only the fifth since the format’s introduction in 2021. She won against the 16th seed in one hour and 26 minutes.
However, in a meeting between two of the heaviest baseline hitters in the women's game, Sabalenka's accuracy on serve and delicate drop shots proved the difference as she came through 7-5 6-3 to beat Osaka for the third time in the past three months.
Four-time Grand Slam singles champion Sabalenka is the only player with experience of playing in a major final left in the women's draw.
"It is amazing to play in the night session. I really want to keep going. Thank you for bringing such an amazing atmosphere. You guys make this place special," Sabalenka told the crowd.
"I'm happy with the win, it was a very tough one. She is such a great player - always a tough battle against her. I am mostly happy with the way I served and that I was able to put pressure back on her.”
When the two players met in Madrid in April, it was Osaka who won the opening set, and she started quickly once again, breaking Sabalenka in her opening service game.
However, it proved to be the only moment of uncertainty on serve for the top seed, who only conceded four points on her own delivery across the remainder of the first set and finished the match with 12 aces to Osaka's two - and an 83% win rate behind her first serve.
Sabalenka will face 25th seed Diana Shnaider in the last eight as she continues her bid for a maiden French Open title.
