The French Open continues to thrill tennis fans around the world, and Aryna Sabalenka is making waves with her dominant performance. With a commanding victory in the third round, Sabalenka has cemented her status as a serious contender on the red clay of Roland Garros. As she advances into the fourth round, all eyes turn to her upcoming match against Amanda Anisimova—a clash that promises high drama, intense rallies, and an exciting battle of styles.
In this detailed blog post, we’ll break down Sabalenka’s journey so far, analyze her strengths and strategies on clay, preview her matchup against Anisimova, and explore why this encounter could be one of the most captivating of the tournament.
Sabalenka’s Commanding Run at the French Open
Aryna Sabalenka has been a force to reckon with in 2025, and her French Open campaign thus far has been no exception. Known for her explosive power and aggressive baseline play, Sabalenka has adapted her game impressively to the demands of clay, a surface that often favors finesse and stamina.
In her third-round victory, Sabalenka showcased ruthless intent, combining blistering serves with heavy groundstrokes and an unyielding mental focus. She controlled rallies from the outset, dictating play and not allowing her opponent to settle. Her ability to mix power with tactical variation—dropping in delicate drop shots and stepping in to finish points at the net—kept her adversary guessing and ultimately overwhelmed.
The Belarusian’s movement and court coverage have improved significantly, a key factor for success on the slow and demanding clay courts of Roland Garros. She has displayed resilience, weathering long rallies and tight moments with remarkable composure.
Why Sabalenka’s Game Suits the French Open
Historically, Sabalenka’s aggressive style sometimes struggled on clay, where patience and endurance are critical. However, this season, her team has clearly emphasized adjustments to make her game more versatile and sustainable on slower surfaces.
- Improved Footwork: Sabalenka is now gliding across the clay with better balance and smoother transitions, allowing her to stay in points longer without compromising her power.
- Serve Evolution: Her serve, already a weapon, has gained extra spin and placement variety, helping her earn free points and avoid being pushed into defensive positions.
- Mental Toughness: Perhaps most importantly, Sabalenka’s mental game has matured. She appears calm under pressure, staying focused during crucial points and refusing to let frustration dictate her play.
- Strategic Variation: She mixes heavy topspin shots with clever use of angles and drop shots, a necessary blend to break down opponents who thrive on extended rallies.
These factors have made her a formidable contender on clay, and with every round, she gains more confidence.
The Upcoming Challenge: Amanda Anisimova
Amanda Anisimova, Sabalenka’s fourth-round opponent, is no stranger to big moments at the French Open. The American has previously reached the semifinals here, displaying her ability to handle the unique challenges of clay. Known for her aggressive baseline play, crafty shot-making, and impressive court coverage, Anisimova poses a very real threat.
Her style contrasts with Sabalenka’s in interesting ways:
- Speed and Agility: Anisimova’s movement on the court is one of her biggest assets. She’s quick to respond, retrieving shots that might catch others off guard.
- Variety and Deception: Unlike Sabalenka’s raw power, Anisimova uses more variety—mixing pace, changing directions, and employing unexpected drop shots to keep opponents off balance.
- Composure Under Pressure: Anisimova has shown the ability to raise her game on big stages, often finding an extra gear in tight moments.
This matchup promises to be a thrilling clash of power versus finesse, aggression versus guile. Fans can expect long rallies, momentum swings, and high-quality tennis.
Key Factors That Could Decide the Match
When Sabalenka and Anisimova step onto the Roland Garros clay for their fourth-round duel, several key elements could tip the balance:
1. Sabalenka’s Serve Versus Anisimova’s Return
Sabalenka’s serve has been a weapon all tournament long. If she can maintain her high first-serve percentage and mix in well-placed second serves, she could dominate many points early.
However, Anisimova’s return game has also improved significantly. If she manages to read Sabalenka’s serve well and apply pressure early in rallies, she could force errors and create break opportunities.
2. Mental Resilience in Long Rallies
Clay courts often lead to extended exchanges, testing both players’ stamina and concentration. Sabalenka’s mental growth will be tested against Anisimova’s known composure. Whichever player holds their nerve better in the long points will have the edge.
3. Adaptability and Tactical Awareness
Anisimova’s varied shot selection means Sabalenka can’t rely on brute force alone. Adjusting tactics mid-match and finding the right balance between power and touch could be crucial.
What This Win Means for Sabalenka’s French Open Hopes
Progressing into the fourth round is a significant step for Sabalenka in her quest for the French Open title. While she has won major titles on hard courts and grass, the clay Slam has traditionally eluded her.
This year, however, her performances suggest a new level of maturity and readiness. A strong showing here could propel her into the conversation as a legitimate contender to lift the trophy.
Each victory boosts her confidence and sharpens her game, but the tournament only gets tougher from here. With elite competitors looming, Sabalenka will need to summon all her skills to make a deep run.
What Fans Are Saying and Social Buzz
Social media is buzzing with excitement over Sabalenka’s display of power and poise. Fans praise her aggressive style, calling her one of the most exciting players to watch in 2025. Many admire her determination and see this as her breakthrough moment on clay.
The upcoming match against Anisimova is already trending, with tennis lovers anticipating a high-energy contest full of unpredictability. #Sabalenka #FrenchOpen and #Anisimova have been trending topics as fans debate who will come out on top.
Final Thoughts: A Match You Can’t Miss
Aryna Sabalenka’s journey to the fourth round of the French Open underscores her growth and resilience. Her powerful game combined with newfound strategic depth makes her one of the most fascinating players to watch on the circuit.
Her upcoming clash with Amanda Anisimova promises to be a memorable battle—a true test of strength, skill, and willpower on one of tennis’s most demanding stages.
For tennis fans and casual viewers alike, this match is a must-watch. Expect fireworks, long rallies, and moments of brilliance as these two talented athletes fight for a place in the quarterfinals.
Stay tuned, because Sabalenka’s French Open story is far from over, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most thrilling narratives of the tournament.
