Aryna Sabalenka cruised into the fourth round at Roland Garros with a 6-2 6-3 victory over Olga Danilovic.
The world number one produced a stunning start to the match and managed to complete victory in what was a disciplined performance.
There was some positive aspects to Danilovic’s performance but ultimately the Serb was too erratic when it really mattered.
Next up for Sabalenka will be 16th seed Amanda Anisimova who defeated Clara Tauson in straight sets.
It was a perfect start to the match for Sabalenka who took advantage of a nervy and erratic display from Danilovic.
The top seed stormed into a 5-0 lead in no time as she looked to continue her bid for more silverware in Paris.
As the match went on Danilovic did show the type of tennis that saw her beat Leylah Fernandez and Danielle Collins with the Serb gaining one of the breaks back in the seventh game.
However, Danilovic couldn’t take advantage of a 40-15 lead in the set and Sabalenka broke to take the opening set in 35 minutes.
This was the summary of the match with Danilovic being too erratic and not controlled enough when it really mattered.
In the second set Danilovic posed more of a threat to Sabalenka as she forced the world number one to Deuce in the third game.
Once again the Serb couldn’t take advantage but after being broken in the fourth game, Danilovic bounced back in the following game and put the match back on serve.
The world number 34 was really taking the match to Sabalenka producing high percentage points and hanging with the best in the world.
Eventually though Danilovic couldn’t handle the persistent pressure as she was broken in the eighth game.
Failing to surrender, Danilovic had a half opportunity to extend the match even further but couldn’t do so.
A composed, aggressive and disciplined performance from Sabalenka was complete as she held to seal her place in the last 16.
In her on-court interview Sabalenka praised Danilovic and spoke about the contest, “I’m super happy with the win, Olga is a fighter and I knew it was going to be a fight. I really enjoyed playing against her, she played like a top 10 player and I’m sure soon she will be in the top 10,” Sabalenka was quoted as saying by the BBC website.
“I enjoyed our battle and supper happy to be through this difficult match.”
It means Sabalenka is into the second week at Roland Garros for a third time in her career and will now meet Amanda Anisimova.
The head-to-head sees Anisimova have a 5-2 lead heading into Sunday’s clash.
