By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Tuesday, Might 28, 2024
Sightlines on Roland Garros grounds have not modified.
Aryna Sabalenka says she’s bringing a distinct perspective to this French Open.
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World No. 2 Sabalenka swept Erika Andreeva 6-1, 6-2 to cost into the Roland Garros second spherical.
Launching her quest to turn into the primary lady since Serena Williams in 2015 to seize the Australian Open and French Open in succession, Sabalenka commanded the middle of the courtroom changing 5 of six break factors in a 68-minute thrashing.
Afterward, Sabalenka mentioned she sees Paris because the Metropolis of Lighten Up.
Asserting she performs her greatest when she’s relaxed, the emotive Sabalenka goals to plug into the ability of positivity a 12 months after her run to the Roland Garros semifinals.
“I believe it is all comes with expertise,” Sabalenka mentioned. “First occasions once I was coming right here, I used to be so tight, I used to be so intense as a result of it is a Grand Slam, and with the years you understand that is simply one other event and it’s important to have enjoyable.
“It’s important to be optimistic, as a result of it is sufficient pressure on courtroom. In case you’re gonna convey this pressure off courtroom, it is simply an excessive amount of.
“So for me, it is the higher method to sort of like loosen up and to maintain it, I do not know, mentally good, it is simply to have enjoyable, in fact.”
Successful is pure pleasure and Sabalenka has had loads of completely happy days—in addition to private tragedy, struggling the dying of her ex-boyfriend in Miami in March—in an eventful 12 months.
Nonetheless, Sabalenka brings her greatest within the Slams.
The 2-time Australian Open champion has contested semifinals or higher in her final six Grand Slam appearances.
Right now, Sabalenka improved her clay-court file to 12-3 this season together with her solely losses coming towards world No. 1 Iga Swiatek within the finals at Rome and Madrid and towards Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova within the Stuttgart quarterfinal.
After falling to Swiatek in Rome, Sabalenka mentioned on courtroom: “I hope we’re gonna make it to the finals at Roland Garros and I’m gonna get you there.
“Simply kidding—simply making an attempt to do higher than in the present day.”
Requested a couple of attainable third straight clay-court closing towards three-time Roland Garros champion Swiatek, Sabalenka mentioned she’s not trying that far forward, however will probably be prepared for a rematch.
“I’ve been simply joking sort of over there, but when we will get to the purpose that we have now to play one another right here, then I used to be simply kidding,” Sabalenka mentioned. “However in any case, it is a powerful battle towards her. Like going to the match, you by no means know the way it’s gonna finish, you already know.
“It is sort of like 50/50. It is a powerful problem for me, however as I at all times say, powerful challenges, I prefer it. I am prepared to simply accept that and I am able to do my greatest to get that win. However, I imply, it is away from today, you already know. I’m simply making an attempt to deal with every recreation. If we get to the purpose, I am going to attempt my greatest.”
Picture credit score: Tim Clayton/Corbis/Getty
