Aryna Sabalenka defeated Naomi Osaka 7‑5, 6‑3 in a powerful night‑session performance to reach the French Open 2026 quarterfinals, her 14th consecutive last‑eight appearance at a Grand Slam.
The world number one struck 39 winners and 12 aces to overpower Osaka, who fought hard but failed to match Sabalenka’s relentless pace. The Belarusian remains the only Grand Slam champion left in either singles draw at Roland Garros.
Sabalenka said she focused on her own game amid the tournament’s surprises. She now faces Russia’s Diana Shnaider in her quest for a maiden French Open crown after last year’s final loss to Coco Gauff.
Osaka, wearing her signature gold sequined dress inspired by the Eiffel Tower, ended her best Paris run in the last 16. She said she felt proud of her progress and looked forward to returning home to her daughter.
The match marked the first women’s night session at Roland Garros since 2023, breaking a streak of 32 men’s ties. Sabalenka welcomed the change, saying it signalled equal treatment for women’s tennis.
