Aryna Sabalenka continues to cement her legacy as one of the greatest players of her generation. The World No.1 powered through to the fourth round of Roland Garros with a commanding straight-sets victory over Daria Kasatkina on Court Suzanne-Lenglen. The final score of 6-0, 7-5 not only showcased Sabalenka's dominance but also secured a historic milestone: her 100th victory as the top-ranked player on the WTA Tour.
Sabalenka becomes just the ninth player in tennis history to reach triple-digit wins while holding the World No.1 ranking. She joins an exclusive club that includes legends such as Serena Williams, Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, Martina Hingis, Monica Seles, Iga Swiatek, and Justine Henin. This achievement underscores Sabalenka's remarkable consistency and longevity at the pinnacle of the sport.
A Dominant Run in Paris
Sabalenka has been in imperious form at Roland Garros, not dropping a single set across her three matches. She defeated Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the first round, followed by Elsa Jacquemot in the second, and now Kasatkina. Against the Australian star, Sabalenka was relentless from the start, racing through the first set in just 24 minutes. The second set was more competitive, with Kasatkina pushing her opponent, but Sabalenka's power and precision ultimately prevailed.
This performance extends Sabalenka's winning streak at Grand Slams and reinforces her status as the clear favorite to lift the Suzanne-Lenglen Cup. However, a formidable challenge awaits in the next round: a clash with four-time major champion Naomi Osaka.
The Elite List of 100 Wins as World No.1
Reaching 100 victories while ranked No.1 is a testament to sustained excellence. Martina Navratilova holds the all-time record with 322 wins at No.1, followed by Steffi Graf (239) and Chris Evert (236). Serena Williams, who inspired a generation, ranks fourth with 205 wins. Sabalenka joins Iga Swiatek as the only active players on this list, with Swiatek having crossed the 100-win threshold earlier in her career.
Sabalenka first ascended to the World No.1 spot on October 21, 2024, and has since spent 80 consecutive weeks atop the rankings. During this period, she has fended off challenges from Swiatek and Elena Rybakina. Rybakina had a chance to usurp the top spot at Roland Garros, but her shocking second-round loss to Yuliia Starodubtseva ended that possibility, allowing Sabalenka to further extend her lead.
Sabalenka vs. Osaka: A Renewed Rivalry
Next up for Sabalenka is Naomi Osaka, a player with whom she has developed a compelling rivalry in 2026. The two have faced off twice this season, with Sabalenka winning both encounters. At Indian Wells, Sabalenka dominated in straight sets, while at the Madrid Open, she fought back from a set down to win a thrilling round-of-16 match. Osaka's only victory against Sabalenka came in 2018 at the US Open, where she defeated the Belarusian in three sets en route to winning her first major title.
Osaka has shown signs of returning to her best form, and her matchup with Sabalenka promises to be one of the highlights of the tournament. The Japanese star has a powerful game that matches up well against Sabalenka's aggressive style, but the World No.1's current form makes her the favorite.
Sabalenka's Quest for a First Roland Garros Title
Despite her dominance on hard courts—where she has won multiple Australian Open and US Open titles—Sabalenka has yet to conquer the clay of Roland Garros. Her best performance came in 2025, when she reached the final but lost to Coco Gauff in a wind-affected match. The American won 6–7(5–7), 6–2, 6–4 to claim her first French Open title. Sabalenka and Gauff are in the same half of the draw this year, setting up a potential semifinal rematch.
Sabalenka has been working tirelessly on her clay-court game, and her movement and shot selection have improved significantly. She has also credited her mental strength, which has been crucial in tight matches. With each victory, she comes closer to filling the only gap in her Grand Slam collection.
Historical Context and Career Highlights
Born in Minsk, Belarus, Sabalenka turned professional in 2015 and quickly made a name for herself with her powerful serve and groundstrokes. She broke into the top 10 in 2018 and won her first major title at the 2023 Australian Open. Since then, she has added two more Grand Slam trophies and consistently ranked among the top players. Her rise to No.1 was marked by a stunning 2024 season, during which she won multiple WTA 1000 titles and reached the semifinals or better at all four majors.
Off the court, Sabalenka has been an advocate for prize money equality and has used her platform to speak out on issues affecting players. Her charisma and determination have made her a fan favorite worldwide.
As Sabalenka continues her campaign in Paris, the tennis world watches with anticipation. Will she finally lift the French Open crown? One thing is certain: her 100th win as World No.1 is just another milestone on a journey that promises many more.
Source: Tennis365 News