Facing Osaka in the final match on Philippe Chatrier court, Sabalenka started slowly but finished strongly in her service games. Osaka won the first two games as Sabalenka began poorly. The number one seed made five unforced errors, including a double fault on break point, giving Osaka an early advantage.

Sabalenka quickly regained her form. Two forehand winners helped her secure a break, after which she controlled nearly all her service games for the rest of the match. The 28-year-old faced no further break points and was rarely pushed to deuce.

The only service game Sabalenka was pushed to deuce was the sixth game of the second set, a six-minute battle. After holding that game, Sabalenka won three more games to close out the match.

Sabalenka (left) embraces Osaka after their fourth round Roland Garros match on Philippe Chatrier court, Paris, France on 1/6. *Photo: Reuters*

Sabalenka recorded 12 aces throughout the match, achieving an 83% first serve points won percentage. This marks her best serving performance at Roland Garros so far. The aggressive play from both Sabalenka and Osaka generated 59 winners, with the Belarusian securing 39.

"I'm not thinking too much about last year's Roland Garros final", Sabalenka said, referring to her 2025 loss to Coco Gauff. "I've been on tour long enough to know anything can happen. I just try to focus on myself and make sure that when I step on court, I bring my best level."

Sabalenka and Osaka have met three times this season, with the Belarusian winning all encounters. Sabalenka is also the only remaining player in the women's singles draw who has reached a grand slam final, having won four titles.

In the quarterfinals on 3/6, Sabalenka will face number 25 seed Diana Shnaider, who reached her first grand slam quarterfinal after defeating number 19 seed Madison Keys in three sets. With top contenders like Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina already eliminated, this presents a significant opportunity for Sabalenka to win her first Roland Garros title.

Other women's singles quarterfinal matchups include number eight seed Mirra Andreeva against number 18 Sorana Cirstea, Elina Svitolina against fellow Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk, and Maja Chwalinska facing Anna Kalinskaya.

Vy Anh