In the first round of the French Open 2025, Aryna Sabalenka delivered a striking performance by only dropping a single game against Kamilla Rakhimova, effectively announcing her entry into the tournament with power and precision. The world number one showcased her formidable skills, overpowering her Russian opponent with a stunning scoreline of 6-1, 6-0, thereby setting a strong precedent for her campaign at Roland Garros.
The match, which unfolded on Court Philippe Chatrier, saw Sabalenka maintain a commanding presence throughout. Within just an hour of play, she showcased her serving prowess by recording five aces while simultaneously striking an impressive total of 30 winners. Sabalenka’s ability to break Rakhimova’s serve five times underscored her offensive strength and strategic gameplay as she transitioned seamlessly from serving to volleying, dominating every facet of the contest.
Despite being a seasoned competitor with achievements including three Grand Slam titles to her name, 2025 marks Sabalenka’s first opportunity to claim victory at the French Open. Her previous best performance was a semi-final run in 2023, which she will aim to surpass this year. Following her resounding win against Rakhimova, there is a palpable sense of anticipation regarding whether the Belarusian can capitalize on her momentum as she continues in the tournament.
Looking ahead, she may potentially clash with higher-seeded opponents such as the eighth seed, Zheng Qinwen, a rematch from the Australian Open final held in 2024, should both competitors advance to the quarter-finals. Additionally, there looms a likely semi-final encounter with Iga Swiatek, the tournament’s three-time defending champion, emphasizing the high stakes involved as Sabalenka looks to navigate through the various phases of this prestigious event.
Before these challenges arise, her immediate focus will be on her next match, where she will face either Jil Teichmann from Switzerland or the Italian qualifier Lucrezia Stefanini. Her performance thus far denotes a strong readiness to engage formidable challengers, thereby justifying her status as one of the favorites to clinch the title.
Aside from her on-court victory, Sabalenka has adopted a unique personal tradition. Following her matches, she has taken to capturing significant moments with a Polaroid camera, a practice she began in December. This heartfelt initiative serves to create an album filled with memories of her journey, involving her team and her achievements. Speaking to reporters post-match, she explained, “The idea was to take some good moments in my life… When I feel sad, I go through the album and remember the good moments; they give me good vibes.” This thoughtful approach not only highlights her competitive spirit but also a balance with personal joy, as she cherishes shared experiences with those around her.
As Sabalenka navigates the challenges of the French Open, fans and analysts alike will undoubtedly keep a close watch on her journey. With the tournament running from May 25 to June 8, the excitement surrounding her potential rise to glory adds a compelling narrative to an already storied event at Roland Garros. The anticipation builds not only for Sabalenka’s matches but for the tantalizing possibility of her breaking records and creating unforgettable moments on the grand stage.