World number one Aryna Sabalenka made an emphatic start to her French Open campaign on Tuesday, defeating Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4, 6-2 in just 75 minutes at Roland Garros.
The Belarusian star, who finished runner-up at last year’s tournament and is still chasing her maiden French Open title, produced a commanding display on Court Philippe Chatrier despite a brief wobble in the opening set.
Sabalenka raced into a 4-0 lead under the scorching Paris sun before a string of unforced errors allowed Bouzas Maneiro to claw her way back into the contest. The Spanish world number 50 recovered two breaks and appeared poised to level the set at 5-5.
However, a costly double fault from Bouzas Maneiro handed Sabalenka the opening set and shifted the momentum firmly back in favour of the top seed.
Sabalenka then overwhelmed her opponent in the second set, storming into a 5-0 advantage as her aggressive baseline game and improved net play proved too strong.
Although Bouzas Maneiro briefly delayed the inevitable by holding serve and securing a break to reduce the deficit to 5-2, another double fault ultimately sealed victory for the four-time Grand Slam champion.
The result marked a welcome return to winning form on clay for Sabalenka following her shock early exit at the Italian Open earlier this month.
After the match, Sabalenka acknowledged the intense conditions in Paris as a heatwave continued to grip the French capital.
“Happy to be back, thank you for the support. It’s a hot day, thank you so much for staying and don’t forget guys, stay hydrated,” Sabalenka told spectators on centre court.
The world number one also reflected on the pressure that comes with entering the tournament as the top seed.
“I think we all feel pressure… But I’m used to it so I know how to ignore (it),” she said.
Sabalenka further highlighted the progress she has made in adding variety to her game, particularly her willingness to attack the net during points.
“That’s the most enjoyable part of the game that I can come to the net to play points there, it’s so much fun,” she said.
“I’m so happy I was able to improve on that part of the game and bring it on court,” she added.
