Sabalenka Edges Past Stephens To Reach Maiden French Open Quarter-Finals

Aryna Sabalenka has reached her first-ever quarter-finals of the French Open after edging past Solane Stephens.

The Belarusian won 7-6 6-4 after a gripping opening set on Philippe-Chatrier court.

She raced to a 5-0 lead but the resilient American fought back to complete the comeback at 5-5.

During the tiebreak Stephens led at two separate occasions but produced erratic errors on big points which Sabalenka capitalised on to clinch the first set.

The second set saw Stephens draw the first blood, firing away on serve to go 40-0 up, but Sabalenka broke back to have the chance to serve out the match and secured the win for a hold to love. 

“It was an amazing match, a great fight, she’d played unbelievable tennis," the Australian Open champion said in her on-court interview. 

"Coming back from that score, it’s something unbelievable. 

"I think I was a little bit lucky in the first set to get that set."

She also thanked the crowd, saying: “Thank you everyone again for the support and for the atmosphere. 

"I really didn’t expect that much people watching our match. 

"It was a really amazing atmosphere. Thank you, thank you so much.”

Sabalenka will play Ukrainian Elina Svitolina next, in what will be a highly-anticipated contest between two very in-form players.