Article by David Istrate – Published Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 2:43 p.m. / Updated Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 2:46 p.m.
Aryna Sabalenka (28, 1 WTA) has eased into the second round of Roland Garros with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Jessica Bouzas Maneiro (23, 50 WTA). The match lasted 75 minutes.
Aryna Sabalenka is a finalist in the 2025 edition of Roland Garros, so she came to Paris eager to get revenge for the final she lost a year ago. In the first round, the Belarusian defeated Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
Aryna Sabalenka, straight sets win over Jessica Bouzas Maneiro: “I'm glad to be back”
Sabalenka controlled both sets, but the Iberian had moments when she raised her level and managed to cause small problems for her opponent. For example, in the second sequence, at 5-0 for the world leader, Bouzas Maneiro won two consecutive games and postponed the end of the match.
However, the outcome was inevitable, and Sabalenka prevailed 6-4, 6-2, qualifying for the second round at Roland Garroswhere she will meet either Linda Fruhvirtova (21 years old, 149 WTA) or Elsa Jacquemot (23 years old, 67 WTA).
After the match, the 28-year-old was interviewed on the court by the famous Mats Wilander, who praised her for her complete game and praised her for coming to the net more often and trying “short”.
“That's the nicest part of the game now, being able to come to the net and play points there. I'm proud to have improved that part of my game and brought it to the court,” Sabalenka said.
“Glad to be back, thanks for the support! It's very hot, thank you for coming anyway. Don't forget to hydrate. It's very hot“, she added, visibly affected by the temperature in Paris.
Aryna Sabalenka, about the prize won at the Laureus Gala: “I hope I deserve it and that I am an example”
Asked about the pressure, Sabalenka replied: “I think we all feel pressure, it's part of our lives. We're used to it and I've learned how to ignore it.”
This spring, the four-time Grand Slam winner won Laureus Award for the best female athlete in the world.
“It's crazy. There are so many female athletes doing incredible things and inspiring. I managed to win the award, it means a lot, I am honored. I hope that I deserve it, that I am an example and that the next generations learn the best from meSabalenka said about it.
At the end, she was asked about the conditions in the Paris complex and whether they suit her.
“I'm still learning what's perfect for me. I'm trying to enjoy the game, give my best, whether it's cold and the surface is slow or warm and the surface is fast. Let's hope that these are the perfect conditions for me, that they suit my game and help me,” concluded Aryna Sabalenka.
