Sabalenka weathers Zheng storm

Djokovic, Sinner sail ahead at French Open

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World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka recovered from a slow start to systematically dismantle Paris Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen in a 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 victory yesterday that sent her into the French Open semi-finals.

Sabalenka suffered her first loss to Zheng in seven career meetings in the Rome quarter-finals last month and she went behind early in the opening set at a half-full Court Philippe Chatrier.

“It was a true battle and I had no idea how I could break her back and get back into the first set. I didn’t start well and I'm glad I found my rhythm and won,” said Sabalenka, who took a step closer to her maiden French Open title.

China's Zheng crushed a powerful forehand winner to break for a 2-1 lead but Sabalenka moved through the gears to level five games later and was denied on set point while up 6-5.