Further progress wasn’t to be. Olga Danilović concluded her participation in this year’s Roland Garros in the third round. The world’s top player, Aryna Sabalenka, proved too strong for the Serbian, winning in two sets: 6:2, 6:3.
Sabalenka opened the match brilliantly. The Belarusian led 5:0 after only about 15 minutes, with two breaks of serve. The Serbian also contributed significantly to this lead by making a large number of unforced errors.
However, Olga managed to stabilize. First, she got on the scoreboard with her serve, then she broke her opponent’s serve to reduce the deficit to 5:2. She might have made this part of the game even more uncertain, but she squandered a 40:15 lead. Sabalenka strung together three points to reach set point. Olga saved the first, but not the second, and Aryna clinched the first set – 6:2.
A much greater battle was seen in the second set. Sabalenka secured the first break to lead 3:1. However, Olga immediately retaliated, leveling the score at 3:3.
The decisive moment practically came in the eighth game, with the Belarusian leading 4:3. Olga saved two consecutive break points but then failed to convert two opportunities to level at 4:4. Aryna then got another chance to break serve.
She converted it and, in the next game, despite Olga saving one match point and having a break point to stay in the set, Sabalenka closed out the match.
Her next opponent is American Anisimova, against whom she will play for a spot in the quarterfinals.
After the match, Sabalenka had nothing but praise for Olga.
“I’m very proud; Olga is a great fighter. She played like a Top 10 player, and I’m glad I managed to win,” Sabalenka said, adding:
“I felt pretty good; the ball flew better. When it’s colder, the ball flies better; I’ll see the difference in conditions.”
“When I’m on the court, I’m a different person; I’m aggressive here, but off the court, it’s important to have fun with the team. I’m grateful for everyone on the team.”
“Every time is different; I love walking around Paris, going shopping. I enjoy my time here, and thank you for the atmosphere,” Sabalenka concluded.
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Source: Telegraf, Photo: AP Photo / Lindsey Wasson / via Guliver