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Victor Petkov
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Sabalenka beats best friend Badosa to continue in Paris
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The world No. 2 reaches the fourth round, where will play either Madison Keys or Emma Navarro

Aryna Sabalenka continues her quest for a first French Open title by overcoming her best friend Paula Badosa, reaching the fourth round. The Belarusian, who reached the semi-finals last year, secured a 7-5 6-1 victory over the Spanish former world number two.

In a competitive and entertaining first set, both players demonstrated their power from the baseline, leading to seven breaks of serve before second seed Sabalenka managed to close it out. The second set, however, was one-sided as 139th-ranked Badosa’s level dropped. Badosa, who has fallen down the rankings due to a stress fracture in her back, saved three match points before hitting a backhand long on the fourth.

“I just tried to play my best and fight for every point. I know the conditions were tough and the serve wasn’t an advantage,” said the 26-year-old Sabalenka, who won 10 of the final 11 games.

Two-time major champion Sabalenka will play either American 14th seed Madison Keys or her compatriot Emma Navarro, seeded 22nd, in the next round.