PARIS — World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka opened her French Open campaign in dominant fashion on Tuesday, using the unusually hot conditions in Paris to power past 50th-ranked Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, 6-4, 6-2.
Playing on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Sabalenka mixed her trademark aggressive baseline game with more frequent net approaches and volley winners, a tactic she said was made more effective by the faster, drier clay.
“That’s the most enjoyable part of the game right now — that I’m able to come to the net to play points there,” Sabalenka said, adding that she was “super proud” of improving that area of her game.
Temperatures in Paris were expected to climb above 32°C (90°F) for a third straight day, creating conditions that made the clay court play quicker than usual and encouraged attacking tennis.
Sabalenka, a finalist at Roland Garros last year, said the heat suited her style. “Let’s hope that this is the perfect condition for me,” she said. “It suits my game really well.”
She previously reached the French Open final but lost to Coco Gauff, who is also competing in this year’s tournament as she defends her title.
In other first-round action, 17th seed Iva Jovic advanced after defeating friend and fellow Filipina-American player Alexandra Eala, 6-4, 6-2.
