SINNER AND SABALENKA POWER THROUGH AS FRENCH OPEN GETS UNDERWAY IN PARIS

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Agency Report

World number one Jannik Sinner produced a dominant display on Tuesday to advance into the second round of the French Open, as top seed Aryna Sabalenka also made a winning start at Roland Garros.

Sinner defeated French wildcard Clément Tabur 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 in just over two hours, extending his winning streak to 30 matches as he continues his strong form on clay this season.

The Italian, who swept all three clay-court Masters 1000 titles in the build-up to the tournament, continues to be the leading contender for the Coupe des Mousquetaires, especially in the absence of Carlos Alcaraz from the draw.

Speaking after his win, Sinner acknowledged the pressure of expectations but said he remains focused on his game and ambitions at the tournament.

“I know what kind of player I am… if you don’t feel the pressure, it means you don’t care. I do care a lot,” he said.

Sinner will face Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerúndolo in the second round.

In the women’s draw, Belarusian world number one Aryna Sabalenka eased past Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4, 6-2 to also book her place in the next round.

Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, recovered from a brief lapse in serving out the match to secure victory on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

She will next face France’s Elsa Jacquemot as she continues her bid for a maiden Roland Garros title.

Defending women’s champion Coco Gauff also advanced comfortably with a 6-4, 6-0 win over compatriot Taylor Townsend, while several seeded players suffered early exits, including Daniil Medvedev and Jessica Pegula.

Elsewhere, Naomi Osaka progressed with a straight-sets win over Laura Siegemund, while 18-year-old American Iva Jovic and Canadian teen Victoria Mboko both impressed with first-round victories.

French teenager Moïse Kouamé also delighted home fans with a strong win over former US Open champion Marin Čilić.