Iga Swiatek’s main rivals for the French Open title eased into the third round a day after the Pole’s epic tussle with Naomi Osaka.
While world number one and defending champion Swiatek had to come from 5-2 down in the third set and save a match point against an inspired Osaka, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina enjoyed relatively stress-free passages.
Second seed Sabalenka, who has reached the semi-finals of her last six grand-slam events, dispatched Japanese world number 83 Moyuka Uchijima 6-2 6-2.
The Belarussian admits she does not watch much tennis herself, but like everyone else at Roland Garros she was glued to Wednesday’s dramatic showdown.
“I watched yesterday. Yeah, it was just incredible to see Naomi back on the top level,” said Salalenka.
“She played really great tennis, and it was incredible to see Iga save that match. Yeah, it was great-level match.”
Sabalenka will face her good friend Paula Badosa, who came from a set down to beat Yulia Putintseva, in round three.
She played really great tennis, and it was incredible to see Iga save that match. Yeah, it was great-level match.— Aryna Sabalenka on Naomi Osaka and Iga Swiatek
“It’s always tough to play your friend, your really best friend on tour, I would say,” she added.
“It’s always tough, but we know how to manage that. We know how to separate court and life.
“So it’s always a great battle, great fight against her. I always enjoy playing against her. So we kind of, like, we’re good to separate things.”
Former Wimbledon champion Rybakina, seeded fourth, defeated Dutch world number 50 Arantxa Rus 6-3 6-4.
