Sabalenka powers into French Open fourth round, Khachanov survives

Paris, June 2 (BNA): Aryna Sabalenka sidelined Kamila Rakimova to remind her rivals of her French Open credentials, while Russian 11th seed Karen Khachanov also moved into the fourth round with her wildcard stop Thansi Kokkinakis on Friday.

World number two Sabalenka beat Russia’s Rakhimova 6-2 6-2 on a sunny court Philippe Chatrier to set up a showdown with American Sloane Stephens or Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva in her quest for a second Grand Slam title, Reuters reported.

Khachanov appeared to be in trouble midway through his match against Kokkinakis, but rose in the dark to outlast his Australian opponent 6-4 6-1 3-6 7-6(5).

World number three Jessica Pegula had not beaten Elise Mertens in two previous meetings and the American’s hopes of winning that course to stay on track for a maiden Grand Slam title ended in disappointment with a 6-1 6-3 defeat.

The 29-year-old Pegula struggled particularly against the prowess of Mertens, who ran over her opponent with some slicing forehands, drops and deep blocks to deliver powerful shots through the match in 82 minutes.

Daria Kasatkina was fastest across the finish line against another American as the ninth seed lost just one match in her victory over Peyton Stearns.

“I have to be fast because I’m not that strong like many girls,” Kasatkina explained. “Physically I’m not that talented, so I have to be quick. I have to find ways to win and survive.

“So I have to do it with my legs, with the brain, and try to squeeze in as much as possible.”

Last year’s semi-finalist Kasatkina will have to show her best again in the next round as she is likely to meet former world number three Elina Svitolina. She will face Ukrainian-Russian Anna Blinkova later on Friday.

2021 runner-up Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova got off to a slow start before finishing strongly to defeat 24th seed Anastasia Potapova 4-6 6-3 6-0 to book a clash with Mertens.

Novak Djokovic, who is bidding for a 23rd Grand Slam title, takes on Alejandro Davidovich Fokina while world number one Carlos Alcaraz will play Denis Shapovalov in the evening session.

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