Rybakina and Sabalenka Advance to French Open Fourth Round

Grand Slam winners Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka reached the fourth round of the French Open with decisive straight-set victories. Rybakina defeated Elise Mertens, while Sabalenka overcame Paula Badosa. In other action, Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev continued their campaigns in the rain-interrupted tournament.

This Saturday, Grand Slam winners Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka confidently progressed to the fourth round of the French Open, both securing victories in straight sets.

Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion and fourth seed, overpowered Belgium’s Elise Mertens with a score of 6-4, 6-2. Following her, two-time Australian Open champion Sabalenka triumphed 7-5, 6-1 against Paula Badosa on Court Philippe Chatrier. “It's tough to play your best friend,” Sabalenka commented, highlighting the emotional aspect of her victory. Despite trailing 5-3 in the first set, Sabalenka won eight consecutive games to seize control, demonstrating her skill and resolve.

Meanwhile, Russian-born Varvara Gracheva, now representing France, reached the fourth round of a major for the first time by defeating Romanian Irina-Camelia Begu 7-5, 6-3. Later in the day, defending champion Novak Djokovic prepared to face Lorenzo Musetti in a highly anticipated rematch, recalling their 2021 encounter. In other highlights, Alexander Zverev, fresh off a win at the Italian Open, and Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, who overcame Ben Shelton, continued their progress in the men's draw.

The tournament faced its fifth straight day of rain interruptions, with play being halted around 1 p.m. due to persistent rain, chilly winds, and a temperature drop to 14 degrees Celsius (57 Fahrenheit).