Two straight sets (6-4, 6-4) were required for Aryna Sabalenka to knock out Elina Svitolina from the French Open.
After the match, Ukrainian Svitolina chose not to shake hands with Belarusian Sabalenka who was waiting for her opponent in front of the net.
"She's an incredibly tough opponent, that's impressive and I respect her. The atmosphere was fantastic, thank you so much for being here cheering. I know you're here waiting for Novak (Djokovic playing the next match) but I'm pretending you're here for me," Sabalenka said after the match.
Nobbat questions about the war
Earlier in the tournament, Sabalenka has chosen not to attend press conferences as she is tired of being asked about the war in Ukraine because she has chosen not to distance herself clearly from the war and Belarus' controversial President Alexander Lukashenko.
Sabalenka is ready for the semifinals where she will face Karolína Muchová.