World’s No. 1 Alina Sabalenka began a slow start on Wednesday before defeating Swiss Jill Teiczman 6-3, 6-1, reaching the third round at the French Open
Sabalenka began bidding for the Maiden Paris crown by dropping only one match against Kamila Rakimova in the opening round, but the 27-year-old Belarus faced far more resistance against Teichman, who piled up under pressure to grab an early break.
The tricky left-handed man plagued Sabalenka throughout the early part of the opening set, but the top seed formed himself, leveling up at 3-3 and again in the eighth game to control the match.
“She started off really well and played her best game, and it’s always tricky against her,” Sabalenka said.
“Her variety is crazy… I was trying to find the rhythm. I’m happy he got a hold of the serve from 3-1 to 3-1. I got more energy. It was a tough match.
After climbing the set, Sabalenka hit a stabbing backhand winner to grab another break in the opening game of the second set, but there’s no doubt that she will continue her mandatory march through the French open draw after she went 4-0.
She gave the final blow in the form of a break in the seventh game, finishing as Teichman sent a long shot and set up a meeting with another left-hander with Olga Danilovich, who defeated Daniel Collins 6-4, 3-6, 6-4.