French Open Sabalenka's for the taking as draw opens up for number one

World number one Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominant run at the French Open, defeating Naomi Osaka 7-5, 6-3 to advance to the quarterfinals. The Belarusian overcame a shaky start in the first women's night-session match at Roland Garros in three years to secure her spot in the last eight.

Sabalenka has now reached at least the quarterfinals in her last 14 Grand Slam appearances. She will face Russian Diana Shnaider in the next round. "She is such a great player, she plays a super aggressive tennis," Sabalenka said of Osaka. "I'm happy with how I was able to put back the pressure on her. It's amazing to play the night session in front of all of you guys."

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She is such a great player, she plays a super aggressive tennis.

Osaka took an early 2-0 lead, but Sabalenka quickly broke back and secured a decisive break at 6-5, forcing an error from the 16th seed. After holding serve for 3-3, Sabalenka broke again for 4-3, ending a lengthy rally with a delicate half-volley. Osaka, playing in her first Roland Garros fourth round, could not recover and lost the remaining games.

Meanwhile, Diana Shnaider upset 19th seed Madison Keys, who had previously defeated Sabalenka in the 2025 Australian Open final. Shnaider's 6-3, 3-6, 6-0 victory means Sabalenka is one of only three players remaining in the women's draw who have previously reached a Grand Slam quarterfinal. The draw has significantly opened up for Sabalenka, with several other top contenders having been eliminated.

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I'm happy with how I was able to put back the pressure on her. It's amazing to play the night session in front of all of you guys.