Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s top-ranked tennis player, secured her place in the fourth round of Roland Garros on Friday, May 30, 2025, defeating Serbia’s Olga Danilovic 6/2, 6/3 on the clay courts of Paris. The Belarusian star, aiming for her first title at the French tournament, maintained her flawless run without dropping a set in the competition. The third-round match, part of the second Grand Slam of the season, lasted just over an hour and showcased Sabalenka’s dominance at the Roland Garros complex. Held under clear skies, the victory positions her for a challenging fourth-round clash against American Amanda Anisimova. Sabalenka’s performance underscored her status as a favorite, having conceded only ten games across three matches.
Sabalenka’s journey in the tournament has been marked by precision and power. The 27-year-old has navigated her early matches with ease, reinforcing her position as a top contender. Her efficiency on clay has drawn attention, with each victory building momentum toward a potential maiden Roland Garros crown.
- Key highlights of Sabalenka’s campaign:
- First round: defeated Kamila Rakhimova (6/1, 6/0).
- Second round: overcame Jil Teichmann (6/3, 6/1).
- Third round: triumphed over Olga Danilovic (6/2, 6/3).
The Belarusian, who claimed the Australian Open title in 2023, is determined to add another Grand Slam to her resume. Her upcoming match against Anisimova, a familiar rival, promises a high-stakes battle given their competitive history.
La definición de 'Reina' en el diccionario debería ser simple: Aryna Sabalenka. 👑
— ESPN Tenis (@ESPNtenis) May 30, 2025
📸: @rolandgarros pic.twitter.com/ItzVnbD5iz
Match breakdown against Danilovic
Sabalenka faced Danilovic, ranked 34th globally, with confidence and control. She broke her opponent’s serve in the second game of the first set, setting the tone for a 6/2 victory in just 32 minutes. Danilovic struggled to counter Sabalenka’s powerful groundstrokes and precise serving.
In the second set, Sabalenka surged to a 3/1 lead, but Danilovic fought back, leveling the score at 3/3. The Belarusian regained control with a crucial break in the eighth game, closing the match 6/3. Sabalenka recorded 22 winners and only 12 unforced errors, reflecting her command throughout the contest.
Anisimova challenge awaits
Sabalenka’s next opponent, Amanda Anisimova, earned her fourth-round spot by defeating Denmark’s Clara Tauson 7/6(4), 6/4 on the same day. The American, ranked 16th, holds a 5-2 head-to-head advantage over Sabalenka. Their most recent encounter, at the 2024 WTA Toronto, saw Anisimova win 6/4, 6/2.
- Previous encounters:
- 2019, Roland Garros: Anisimova won (6/4, 6/2).
- 2022, Charleston: Anisimova won (3/6, 6/4, 6/3).
- 2024, Toronto: Anisimova won (6/4, 6/2).
- 2023, Madrid: Sabalenka won (6/2, 6/4).
At 23, Anisimova is regaining form after personal and injury setbacks, making her a dangerous opponent. Her performance against Tauson highlighted her resilience, particularly in the first-set tiebreak.
Sabalenka’s clay court evolution
Sabalenka has steadily improved on clay, a surface once considered less suited to her aggressive style. In 2025, she reached the semifinals in Rome and the quarterfinals in Madrid, sharpening her skills for Roland Garros. Her ability to incorporate spin and bolster her defensive play has enhanced her versatility.
In Paris, Sabalenka has averaged just 4.3 games conceded per match, outperforming several top seeds. Her first-serve points won percentage against Danilovic reached 78%, underscoring her effectiveness in critical moments.
Other top seeds in action
Several top-ranked players remain in the women’s draw. World No. 2 Iga Swiatek, a three-time Roland Garros champion, advanced with a 6/3, 6/2 win over Czech Marie Bouzkova. Coco Gauff, ranked third, progressed by defeating Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska 6/4, 6/1.
- Notable third-round results:
- Swiatek vs. Bouzkova: 6/3, 6/2.
- Gauff vs. Yastremska: 6/4, 6/1.
- Rybakina vs. Mertens: 6/4, 6/3.
The women’s draw remains fiercely competitive, with Sabalenka and Anisimova’s match among the most anticipated of the fourth round.
Path to the final
Sabalenka faces a demanding road to the Roland Garros title. A victory over Anisimova could lead to a quarterfinal against Russia’s Mirra Andreeva or Italy’s Jasmine Paolini. A potential semifinal might pit her against Swiatek or Gauff, depending on the draw’s progression.
The tournament, offering €2.4 million to the champion, has drawn large crowds to Paris. Favorable weather, with mild temperatures and minimal rain, has ensured high-quality matches throughout the event.
Physical and mental preparation
Sabalenka has emphasized her physical conditioning for the clay season. Following a semifinal appearance at the 2025 Australian Open, she focused on improving her movement on clay. Her coaching team, led by Anton Dubrov, has also prioritized mental resilience, a key factor in Grand Slam success.
After her match against Danilovic, Sabalenka discussed her recovery routine, which includes physiotherapy and stretching to manage the tournament’s physical demands. She has played 42 matches in 2025, winning 34.
- Sabalenka’s Roland Garros routine:
- Daily two-hour training sessions focusing on serves and footwork.
- Recovery with massage and cryotherapy.
- Video analysis of opponents with her team.
Atmosphere and attendance
Roland Garros has seen strong attendance, with an average of 30,000 spectators daily during the first week. Sabalenka’s match against Danilovic, played on the Suzanne-Lenglen court, drew approximately 8,000 fans. Tournament organizers reported that 70% of fourth-round tickets have been sold.
Sabalenka’s engaging presence, including post-match interactions with fans, has boosted her popularity. Her waves to the crowd and autograph sessions have endeared her to the Parisian audience.
Tournament overview
Roland Garros 2025 features 128 players in the women’s singles draw, competing across seven rounds. The event, which began on May 25, will conclude with the women’s final on June 8. Twelve of the top 16 seeds have reached the fourth round, a higher number than in 2024.
- Key tournament figures:
- Total prize money: €53.5 million.
- First-week attendance: approximately 210,000.
- Matches played through third round: 96.
The event has also introduced enhanced technology, including electronic line-calling for disputed points, ensuring greater accuracy.
Fourth-round anticipation
The Sabalenka-Anisimova matchup is a highlight of the fourth round. Anisimova, a former top-25 player, aims to solidify her comeback, while Sabalenka seeks to overturn their head-to-head deficit and maintain her perfect set record.
Other notable fourth-round matches include Swiatek versus Russia’s Anastasia Potapova and Gauff against Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto. The matches, scheduled for June 1 and 2, will be broadcast to over 200 countries.
