Rybakina had lost her only previous meeting on clay against Svitolina in 2020 – but that was before she was a major champion and a permanent fixture in the world’s top five.

She broke Svitolina in the first game of the match but her misfiring forehand allowed her opponent to break back.

There was no real show of frustration from Rybakina – other than a shake of the head – as her shots continued to fly long, and she began to move Svitolina around the court and come to the net more to re-establish a break lead.

After closing out the first set, Rybakina immediately broke to start the second, finding more timing on her forehand in particular.

She let a double break lead slip, having led Svitolina 4-1 at one point, but her easy power and strong serving was enough to secure victory.

Rybakina has yet to drop a set at Roland Garros and is the only player left who has a positive head-to-head record against overwhelming favourite Iga Swiatek.