Overview
- World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka defeated Naomi Osaka 7-5, 6-3 to reach the French Open quarterfinals in a match played in the tournament’s first women’s night session since 2023.
- Sabalenka produced an aggressive performance with high match numbers, extended her streak of reaching at least the last eight in 14 consecutive majors, and improved her career head-to-head with Osaka to 3-1.
- The night-session setting attracted attention because women’s matches have rarely been given that primetime slot at Roland Garros, and organisers are now facing fresh calls to schedule more centre-stage women’s contests.
- Osaka reached the French Open fourth round for the first time before losing, drawing notice for a powerful serve, new coaching input and high-profile off-court presentation during her Paris run.
- The women’s draw has opened after several top seeds were eliminated, Sabalenka will play Diana Shnaider next, and a string of breakthrough runs by lower seeds and teenagers has increased the chances of first-time major champions.