PARIS, June 2 (H.S.): World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka delivered a commanding performance on Monday to defeat four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka and secure a place in the women’s singles quarter-finals of the French Open 2026.

Playing on Court Philippe-Chatrier, the Belarusian star overcame Osaka 7-5, 6-3. In the first women’s night-session match held in three years, Sabalenka maintained control from the outset and wrapped up the contest in straight sets.

She will now face Russia’s Diana Shnaider in the quarter-finals. Shnaider booked her place in the last eight after defeating former Australian Open champion Madison Keys 6-3, 3-6, 6-0.

Sabalenka is now the only active Grand Slam champion remaining in either the men’s or women’s singles draw at Roland-Garros. She is aiming to capture her first title on the Paris clay courts after finishing runner-up last year, when she lost to Coco Gauff in the final.

This marks Sabalenka’s 14th consecutive Grand Slam tournament appearance in which she has reached at least the quarter-final stage.

Speaking after the match, Sabalenka said, “I didn’t expect my serve to be this good. I feel my game is improving with every match, and I’m extremely pleased with today’s performance.”

Meanwhile, Osaka’s most successful French Open campaign to date came to an end in the Round of 16. The Japanese star, who took the court in a striking gold outfit, was unable to halt Sabalenka’s momentum.

In another match, Austria’s Anastasia Potapova suffered a 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (10-7) defeat against Anna Kalinskaya. Kalinskaya will now face Poland’s qualifier Maja Chwalińska, who advanced to the quarter-finals with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over France’s last remaining contender, Diane Parry.

Meanwhile, Paris fans also had reason to celebrate as Paris Saint-Germain players Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Warren Zaïre-Emery and Bradley Barcola appeared on court to showcase the club’s Champions League trophy following their consecutive European triumphs.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar