Sabalenka overcomes scare and advances to the third round of Roland Garros

The leader of the world rankings, Aryna Sabalenka, had to overcome a difficult start before confirming her victory over Frenchwoman Elsa Jacquemot by 7-5 and 6-2, this Thursday (28), guaranteeing her place in the third round of Roland Garros.

Last year's runner-up in the tournament, Sabalenka encountered resistance for much of the first set. Pushed by the home crowd, Jacquemot raised the crowd with winning blows and evened things out against the favorite.

Owner of four Grand Slam titles, Sabalenka continues in search of her first achievement on Parisian clay.

The world number 1 started better and managed a break early on to take a 3-1 lead, but saw the Frenchwoman react immediately and return the break.

On the same day that the leader of the men's ranking, Jannik Sinner, was eliminated in five sets by Juan Manuel Cerundolo, Sabalenka also had to show mental strength against the world number 67.

The top seed had a set point at 5-4 on her opponent's serve, but Jacquemot managed to save the partial by equaling her rival's power with precision in her shots.

Despite pressure from the French fans, Sabalenka maintained emotional control, closed the first set on the third opportunity she had and began to dominate the match.

She managed a break at the beginning of the second half, quickly opening 3-0 and giving no chance for a reaction from the Frenchwoman, who was already showing physical wear and tear.

In the next phase, Sabalenka will face Australian Daria Kasatkina.

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Source: CNN