French Open: 'So much more belief in myself'- Aryna Sabalenka breezes past Moyuka Uchijima in second round
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Updated 30/05/2024 at 12:20 GMT
Aryna Sabalenka said she has “much more belief in herself” after easing past Moyuka Uchijima in the second round of the French Open on Thursday. The world No. 2 beat Uchijima, who came in with a 19-match winning streak, 6-2 6-2. The Belarusian mixed her trademark power with an intelligent array of shots. She faces either Paula Badosa or Yulia Putintseva in the third round.
French Open highlights - Sabalenka cruises past Uchijima to progress
Aryna Sabalenka won her second match of this year’s French Open as she confidently bested Moyuka Uchijima in two sets, 6-2 6-2.
The Belarusian was in complete control on Court Philippe-Chatrier despite some sharp defence from Uchijima, who is ranked No. 83 in the world.
Speaking after her win live on Eurosport and discovery+, Sabalenka told the crowd at Roland-Garros: "I’m super happy with the performance today. Thank you so much for the atmosphere, it was really incredible playing in front of you all.
"It’s probably so much fun for you watching me play, I'm not sure for my team-mates it's so much fun, they probably get tight every time I go for drop shots, but I'm glad it's fun for you."
The effect of the bad weather is beginning to be felt at this year's French Open, and Sabalenka intends to spend as little time in the rain as possible ahead of her match tomorrow.
“It’s not the best weather," she said. "I feel like just going back to the hotel, blanket, hot tea, and just watch Netflix. That’s the mood."
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'Super happy with that performance' - Sabalenka delighted at reaching third round
The Belarusian was candid about her belief in herself, saying she felt much more confident this year compared to last.
“I don’t like to talk about confidence. I definitely have so much more belief in myself that I can do well in the Grand Slams and I can be consistent with my results.
"So, I would say I definitely have more belief than I had last year."
Uchijima managed to test Sabalenka at times in the first set, forcing her to move and work for her points, but the world No. 2 was unsettled and ran away with the set with jaw-dropping power in her shots.
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Sabalenka wins comfortably in straight sets to reach third round
She opened the second set with that immense power too, blasting down her second ace of the day to take the opening game of the second.
Sabalenka, famed for her fiery temperament, kept her moments of frustration under wraps whenever shots did not go her way, letting it out through deep breaths or heavy groans.
In the end, her determination to make quick work of her opponent ensured she stayed composed and focused.
She did just that. Despite a loose service game in the penultimate game, she fended off four break points and took the game with a scorching forehand across the court.
She rediscovered her control in the final game and took it quickly, notching up the straight sets win in an hour and two minutes.
She faces either Paula Badosa or Yulia Putintseva in the third round.
You can watch every day of the 2024 French Open live and on-demand on discovery+
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