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Sabalenka So Swift And 'Super Happy'
The Straits Times
|May 26, 2025
World No. 1 serves 6-1, 6-0 warning to rivals in opener; Svitolina also quick off the mark
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PARIS - Aryna Sabalenka sent out an early warning to her French Open rivals as the world No. 1 produced a dominant display to outclass Kamilla Rakhimova in the opening round, while Elina Svitolina also made an impressive start on May 25.
A grand tribute was held for 14-time champion Rafael Nadal following the day session on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
To kick things off on the first day of the second Grand Slam of the year, three-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka ensured that everything was on schedule.
She cranked up her serve in front of a small crowd under the roof of the main showcourt to blow her opponent away 6-1, 6-0 in exactly an hour.
The writing was on the wall for a dejected Rakhimova when the 27-year-old Sabalenka broke for a 3-0 lead in the second set after scampering to a ball, which had clipped the net cord, and crushing a forehand winner.
"I'm super happy to be back in Paris," said the Belarusian.
This story is from the May 26, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
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