PARIS : World number one Aryna Sabalenka produced a ruthless display to reach the French Open second round on Tuesday, defeating Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4 6-2 in little over an hour on Court Philippe Chatrier.
Last year’s runner-up looked in complete control early on, racing into a 4-0 lead under sunny Paris skies before a brief dip in concentration allowed Bouzas Maneiro to claw back both breaks and threaten a comeback.
The Spaniard had a chance to level the opening set at 5-5, but a double fault handed Sabalenka the set and shifted momentum firmly back in the Belarusian’s favour.
Sabalenka quickly stamped her authority on the second set, surging to a 5-0 lead with powerful groundstrokes and aggressive net play.
Bouzas Maneiro managed to extend the contest by holding serve and breaking once for 5-2, but another double fault ended her resistance as Sabalenka sealed a comfortable victory.
“The most enjoyable part of the game is when I can come to the net and play points there,” Sabalenka said.
“I’m so happy I was able to improve that part of my game and bring it onto the court.”
Sabalenka is seeking her first French Open title after finishing runner-up in Paris last year.
