World No.2 Aryna Sabalenka said that she is inspired by Iga ÅwiÄ tek’s incredible achievements in the French Open. Back in 2020, Swiatek won the clay-court major for the first time as a teenager. After winning back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023 at Roland Garros, Swiatek will be looking to win a hat-trick of titles.
Even as she lauded the Polish World No.1, Sabalenka also talked about focusing on her own game and making improvements. After racking up back-to-back titles in the Australian Open, the Belarusian Sabalenka will be aiming to make a name for herself on clay as well.
Ahead of her first-round match on Sunday against Russia’s Erika Andreeva, Sabalenka said that she has the energy to take challenges head-on.
‘Brings me more energy’
“I guess the answer is just not focusing on that. I’m focusing on myself, on things I have to improve and get better at, so I have a chance against her on the clay court and especially here at Roland Garros,” Sabalenka told the reporters.
“She achieved incredible results at Roland Garros, and I take it as a challenge, and I like to accept tough challenges. That’s what motivates me and brings me more energy to keep going, to keep fighting for what I think I can achieve,” Sabalenka said.
The rivalry between Swiatek and Sabalenka has grown over the years. The Pole has a massive 8-3 lead over Sabalenka in 11 matches, but the latter has run her opponent close a few times. Recently, Swiatek won the tournaments in Madrid and Rome after beating Sabalenka in the final.
However, Sabalenka said that apart from Swiatek, the likes of Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff can also pose tough challenges to the oppositions.
“I think that’s amazing the rivalry we are having with Iga, and I would mention Elena (Rybakina) as well, and there are so many girls doing so well, like Coco (Gauff). It’s not like only two of us,” Sabalenka added.
