Sabalenka reaches the quarter-finals without a moment's hesitation!
Madrid has definitely helped her find herself again. After winning the Australian Open, the Byelorussian found it difficult to continue. Losing some of her motivation and coping with the bereavement of her ex-partner, her results were becoming worrying. Fortunately for her, defending her Spanish title gave her renewed strength and determination.
Finally beaten in the final by Swiatek, she followed this up in Rome, once again stopped by the world number 1 in the final. More consistent than ever, it was with reinvigorated confidence that she presented herself at Porte d'Auteuil. Without hesitation, the world No.2 produced a string of solid victories. Although not a real title contender, she won her first four matches with great panache. Conceding just 18 games in 4 matches, i.e. just over 2 games per set, she impressed.
This Monday was no exception. Opposed to an in-form Emma Navarro (who beat Keys in the previous round), Sabalenka delivered a full match, hitting the ball with enormous power (6-2, 6-3 in 1h10). Finding most of the areas she was looking for, she played a near-perfect match (35 winners, 11 unforced errors, 7 aces, 0 break points conceded). Although she played a very respectable match (15 winners, 5 unforced errors, 6 break points saved), Navarro could only lose.
For a place in the last four, the 26-year-old will meet the winner of the duel between Gracheva and Andreeva.
French Open 
