Aryna Sabalenka thanks Billie Jean King after Australian Open win
It's Sabalenka's first title.
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Kaia Kanepi once again knocked out a Top 10 seed from a Grand Slam, bouncing No. 10 seed Garbiñe Muguruza from the first round of the French Open.
Sunday’s 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 win is Kanepi’s 19th career victory against a seeded player in the first three rounds of a Grand Slam.
The Estonian star has notched ten major wins against Top 10 players throughout her career. Before Roland Garros, Kanepi took out then-World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open to advance to her seventh Grand Slam quarterfinal.
The Grand Slam specialist does it again! 👀@KanepiKaia knocks out 2016 champion Garbine Muguruza 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the second round.#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/XHscZbCH02
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 22, 2022
“It’s not easy to play a tough opponent in the first round, but I think I enjoy playing Grand Slams more and I think the motivation is higher than smaller tournaments,” said Kanepi. “I try to be more focused and not too emotional when I play in Slams.”
At 37 years old, Kanepi is the oldest competitor in the French Open’s main draw, advancing to take on Beatriz Haddad Maia in Round 2.
It's Sabalenka's first title.
Instead, she'll set her sights on the doubles bracket.
Pegula is the last American woman standing.
Both lost in straight sets.