Sabalenka: "I don't have more pressure or expectations than when I was number 2 or 10"

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The world number one started at full speed with a quick debut in this Roland Garros 2025. In just one hour, Aryna Sabalenka confirmed her presence in the second round of the French Grand Slam, delivering an absolutely spectacular display on Philippe Chatrier. Already with her ticket secured for the next match, the Belarusian instills fear with her high level on clay courts.

Apart from analyzing the current situation at Roland Garros 2025 and delving into the debate about the absence of line judges or the electronic system, the importance of Rafa Nadal and how he has become her inspiration, the world number one commented on whether being the first in the WTA Ranking affects her in terms of pressure and expectations.

For or against line judges?

"I experienced certain situations in Stuttgart, and then there were also some complicated issues with the hawk-eye system in Rome. So I don't know what to say, I don't know what I prefer. There's the old school that prefers line judges, that prefers to appeal, to ask the judges to make a decision. That's the old school, so I don't know what to say. I don't have a strong opinion about it. I have had favorable or unfavorable situations in both cases," Sabalenka asserted about the presence of line judges.

The importance of Nadal

"He is an inspiration for many children. He was an inspiration for me because he worked very hard to achieve it. He is a kind person. He has worked so hard to achieve all these things, so he is an undeniable source of inspiration for me. I am looking forward to the ceremony tonight."

The influence of her coach

"Jujitsu athletes have undeniable control over their bodies. When we do fitness, we do many jujitsu exercises to improve body control. So, it's something that has contributed a lot, and this is inspired by jujitsu, especially in fundamental character exercises."

How does she manage being the world number one?

"In 2023, it was quick, I was there for a week, two. Honestly, I don't think about it. Of course, it has always been my goal to reach that number 1, but at this point in my career, it really doesn't matter. You have to focus on yourself, on your game, on improving every day. It doesn't matter if you are number 1, number 2, or number 10. You have to go out and play. You have to hit the court, you have to fight, you have to play your best tennis. And you have to win, day after day. That's my focus. I don't feel any more pressure or expectations than when I was number 2 or 10."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sabalenka: "No tengo más presión ni más expectativas que cuando era la número 2 o la 10"