Paris, May 29 (H.S.): Top seed Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the third round of French Open 2026 on Thursday after defeating France’s Elsa Jacquemot 7-5, 6-2 in a hard-fought contest. Last year’s runner-up Sabalenka faced a stern challenge from the home favourite in the opening set.

The Belarusian star, who has won four Grand Slam titles, is still searching for her maiden French Open crown. Jacquemot produced several impressive shots in front of the home crowd and forced Sabalenka into a prolonged battle during the first set.

Speaking after the match, Sabalenka said, “It was a very difficult match. She was an extremely challenging opponent. I’m happy that I managed to finish it in straight sets. She played excellent tennis and pushed me to raise my level.”

World No. 1 Sabalenka took an early lead with powerful forehands to move ahead 3-1, but Jacquemot responded immediately to level the score. At 5-4 in the opening set, Sabalenka held a set point, but the French player displayed remarkable precision to bring the contest back on level terms.

However, Sabalenka maintained her composure and eventually clinched the first set on her third set point. From that moment onward, she remained firmly in control of the match.

The Belarusian broke serve early in the second set and went on to win five consecutive games. Jacquemot gradually appeared to struggle with fatigue and was unable to mount a comeback.

Sabalenka will now face Daria Kasatkina in the third round.

Speaking about her next opponent, Sabalenka said, “Playing against her is always challenging. She returns every ball, and on clay courts you have to fight hard for every single point.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar