Aryna Sabalenka Shocks Rivals With Record-Breaking French Open Run—How the Power Hitter Is Redefining Women’s Tennis

PARIS—World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka storms into the French Open spotlight again today, squaring off against China’s rising powerhouse Zheng Qinwen in a quarter-final many believe could decide the eventual women’s champion. The Belarusian has bulldozed through the draw without dropping a set, firing 11 aces and winning 82 % of first-serve points in her fourth-round defeat of Amanda Anisimova to extend her Roland-Garros win streak to 10 matches. Revenge mission on red clay Sabalenka’s motivation is sharpened by a recent setback: Zheng stunned her in straight sets at last month’s Italian Open, the pair’s first clay-court meeting. “I expect a great battle and I want to get my revenge,” Sabalenka admitted in Paris, acknowledging that the Chinese No. 1 “is a great player” but insisting she has the tactical answers this time. Power vs. athleticism The matchup pits Sabalenka’s tour-leading average forehand speed of 79 mph against Zheng’s relentless movement and counter-punching. Expect short points and explosive rallies: Sabalenka leads the tournament in winners (152) and hold percentage (92 %), while Zheng ranks top-five in return games won (54 %). With Roland-Garros playing faster than usual after a dry Parisian spring, Sabalenka’s first-strike tennis could be decisive. Ranking stakes A victory keeps Sabalenka on course for her second Slam of the season and protects her No. 1 ranking from arch-rival Iga Świątek, who plays later against Elina Svitolina. Should Sabalenka fall and Świątek reach the final, the Pole could reclaim top spot next week—adding extra intrigue to today’s quarter-final. Path to the crown If Sabalenka advances she will meet the winner of Świątek–Svitolina, setting up either a mouth-watering repeat of January’s Australian Open final or a rematch of last year’s Roland-Garros semifinal classic. On the opposite half of the draw, teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva and two-time Slam winner Naomi Osaka remain threats, but sports-books have already trimmed Sabalenka to 7/4 title favourite. What to watch • Early serve rhythm: Sabalenka has averaged 1.5 double-faults per set; keeping that number low prevents Zheng from gaining free looks. • Return position: Zheng stepped inside the baseline in Rome; Sabalenka’s coaching team has prepared a heavier kick serve out wide to counter. • Emotional control: Both players thrive on visible intensity; whichever woman channels that fire without over-hitting should seize momentum. Kick-off & broadcast First ball is scheduled on Court Philippe-Chatrier at 11 a.m. local time (09:00 GMT). Fans in the U.S. can watch on Tennis Channel; U.K. viewers on Eurosport; streaming worldwide via the Roland-Garros app. Bottom line Sabalenka’s title defence hinges on solving the Zheng puzzle. Win today, and the hard-hitting Belarusian becomes clear favourite for her maiden Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen. Lose, and the clay-court narrative shifts to Zheng’s coronation and Świątek’s potential return to No. 1. All eyes now turn to Paris for what promises to be the most electric women’s match of the tournament.