Rybakina and Sabalenka Cruise to French Open Fourth Round

Grand Slam winners Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the fourth round of the French Open, with straightforward victories. Sabalenka managed to overcome friend Paula Badosa. Notable men's third-round matches saw Felix Auger-Aliassime defeating Ben Shelton, and defending champion Novak Djokovic set to face Lorenzo Musetti.

Grand Slam champions Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the fourth round of the French Open with decisive victories on Saturday.

2022 Wimbledon winner Rybakina, the fourth seed, overcame Elise Mertens 6-4, 6-2. On Court Philippe Chatrier, two-time Australian Open champion Sabalenka followed suit with a 7-5, 6-1 triumph over Paula Badosa. 'It's tough to play your best friend,' remarked Sabalenka, highlighting the challenge. After initially trailing 5-3 in the opening set, Sabalenka rallied, winning eight consecutive games to seal her win. 'I was just feeling myself and trusting my shots,' she added.

Badosa, her close friend, emphasized the compartmentalization required for competitive success. 'We have a great relationship and then when the match comes, we separate things,' she explained. Both players have known each other since an exhibition match years ago and have maintained a strong friendship since.

In other women's action, Russian-born Varvara Gracheva, representing France, reached a major's fourth round for the first time by defeating Romania's Irina-Camelia Begu 7-5, 6-3. The men's draw saw defending champion Novak Djokovic set to face Lorenzo Musetti, with notable wins from Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alexander Zverev amidst persistent rain interruptions.