Sabalenka: "I would like to play more times in the night session"

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Aryna Sabalenka took another step towards the title at Roland Garros 2026 after defeating Naomi Osaka in one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament. The world number one delivered a high-level performance in the night session at Philippe-Chatrier and strengthened her candidacy for the trophy by prevailing over a rival who was in the prime of her career on the Parisian clay.

Beyond the victory, Aryna Sabalenka shared several interesting reflections on the historic presence of women's tennis in the night session of Roland Garros, praised Osaka's return after maternity leave, and explained how the experience gained on the big stages helps her manage the pressure in the crucial rounds of Grand Slams.

A Victory Built on Aggressiveness

"I am very happy with my performance and, of course, delighted with the victory. I think the key was that I managed to stay aggressive throughout the match, regardless of what was happening. Additionally, my serve was really working well, which helped me a lot. Overall, I feel like I played a great match from start to finish."

The Historic Female Night Session at Roland Garros

"First and foremost, I feel very honored that our match with Naomi was chosen for the night session. It was an incredible experience, and I truly enjoyed the atmosphere."

"I'm not upset that so many years passed without a women's match in this time slot. Honestly, I quite like playing the early rounds because then you have more time to rest and recover."

"However, if you ask me if I would like to play more night sessions, the answer is yes, of course. The atmosphere was spectacular. It was really fun competing in that environment."

"I believe it was a very right decision to schedule our match for the night. I hope that what happened today serves to demonstrate that women's tennis can also create a fantastic atmosphere at this time slot."

"Hopefully, this is the beginning of a new era. I hope that today we have opened the door for more women's matches in the night sessions of Roland Garros."

Discoveries About Naomi Osaka

"I feel like this year I am really starting to get to know her because for a long time our paths hardly crossed on the court. She is a true fighter and a great player. I am very happy to see her back competing at this level. Perhaps she is not yet playing her best tennis, but she is getting closer."

"What she has achieved after giving birth is incredible and very inspiring. I am very glad to see her competing again and facing her. Every match against Naomi is a battle. It always poses a challenge, and I am truly enjoying our encounters."

The Experience That Helps in Decisive Moments

"I remember perfectly well what my mentality was when I won my first Grand Slam. The only thing I kept telling myself constantly was that if I could fight for every point and give my best at that moment, the opportunities would eventually come."

"That is exactly what I keep trying to do now. In these tournament rounds, my goal is to focus on myself and make sure that when I am on the court, I am competing at my maximum and making the most of what I have that day."

"There are days when you feel amazing and others when it seems like nothing is working. Even in those moments, you have to find a way to fight. My mentality is very simple: be ready to do whatever it takes to lift this precious trophy."

Praise for Maja Chwalinska

"I have watched some of her matches during the tournament and also saw her train by chance a few days ago. I feel like clay courts fit perfectly with her game. She moves very well, changes pace a lot, and is one of those players who are very tactically intelligent."

"She also defends very well, and I believe this surface enhances all those qualities. She is also a real fighter. She showed it especially in her last match against a French player, which is never an easy situation. She played fantastic tennis, and honestly, I think she has the potential to become a significant player in the future."

Expectations for Diana Shnaider

"She is a great player. She has a challenging style because she changes pace a lot, moves very well, and also serves very well. I am very excited to face her for the first time. I am looking forward to that challenge. I have always liked playing against left-handers, so it will be an interesting experience."

How to Avoid Distractions from Tournament Surprises

"I believe the reason I am handling this tournament well is that I am not thinking too much about everything that is happening around. I have been on the circuit for many years. I know perfectly well that in this sport, anything can happen. That's tennis, and that's sports."

"I try to stay focused on myself and make sure that when I step onto the court, I am giving my best and fighting for every point. My only concern is doing everything possible to try to win this trophy."

Aryna Sabalenka continues to advance steadily at Roland Garros 2026. The world number one is not only showcasing high-level tennis but also a competitive maturity that keeps her away from the noise generated by the tournament's surprises. With the experience of several Grand Slam triumphs behind her and unwavering confidence, the Belarusian is getting closer to the great goal of conquering the Suzanne Lenglen Cup for the first time.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sabalenka: "Me gustaría jugar más veces en la sesión nocturna"