From Paris Courts, a Russian Love Declaration Heard

The French Open tennis tournament has entered its second week, with several top contenders like Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Iga Swiatek already eliminated. However, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka continues her dominant run, convincingly defeating Japan's Naomi Osaka in their match.

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I look forward to the match with her, because she is an excellent player, and in her tennis style, she relies on frequent changes of rhythm.

Sabalenka secured her quarterfinal spot by beating Osaka with a score of 7-5, 6-3. She is now set to face Russia's Diana Shnaider, currently ranked 23rd in the world, for a place in the semifinals. Sabalenka expressed anticipation for the match, acknowledging Shnaider as an excellent player who utilizes frequent rhythm changes in her game.

The Belarusian player also commented on the anticipated return of 44-year-old Serena Williams to the tennis courts, calling her "fantastic" and expressing excitement to see her play again. Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, remains an iconic figure in the sport.

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Serena is fantastic! I am truly surprised to see her playing tennis again...

Sabalenka herself enjoyed playing in front of a packed stadium during her evening match. She offered some dance moves to the crowd after her victory and smiled at a spectator's "I love you!" shouted in Russian, followed by a "Me too!" from another. She confirmed her enjoyment of playing under the Parisian lights, noting it had been three years since she last played an evening match at Roland Garros. Her next match is scheduled for Wednesday against Shnaider.

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Usually I like to play the opening matches, because then I have the whole day ahead of me, but because of this atmosphere here on the court, I also enjoy playing in the evening. I haven't played under the lights in Paris for three years.