Aryna Sabalenka is back in action at the Mutua Madrid Open 2026 where she stands as the top favorite. The altitude in Madrid fits the Belarusian's tennis like a glove, and the decision to skip Stuttgart to arrive physically fresher adds extra anticipation to her venture in the Spanish capital. After claiming the Sunshine Double, Aryna is chasing history... but she must deal with the pressure from Elena Rybakina, who is determined to take away her number one spot.
Her press conference before the tournament revolved around several topics in an extremely emotional week: she was named the Laureus Sportswoman of the Year, an impressive recognition that left her emotional. The Minsk native also talked about the situation of her close friend Paula Badosa, revealing they will have dinner soon to catch up and share advice... and she lectured on how to make changes in your tennis when things aren't going well, a key part of her transformation into the world's best player.
Sabalenka describes the feeling of losing as "the worst": her pre-Mutua Madrid Open press conference
- Regarding her approach to the clay court season from now on, skipping Stuttgart this year and being more selective in tournament choices
"It was a shame for me to skip Stuttgart. I will try to return next year, without a doubt, but the ideal plan is perhaps to open up the calendar a bit more to be able to stay healthy, to be ready to show my best version in every tournament I play. This year, my body behaved worse at certain times and I needed rest to recover, so my calendar consisted of fewer tournaments to do the right thing for my physical well-being. I hope to show my best level every time I compete."
- Laureus Award winner for best female athlete yesterday
"It means a lot to me. To think that my name will be alongside the winners from previous years is crazy. It's an impressive success, especially being compared to other sports. There are many powerful, strong, and inspiring women doing incredible things; to achieve this award... leaves me speechless. I am incredibly grateful and proud."

- How she handles pressure and maintains good mental health
"Mental health is very important, which is why I work with a psychologist. I have done everything possible to stay mentally healthy. What I have realized over the years is that, first and foremost, it is vital to surround yourself with people you feel comfortable with, protected, free to say what you want, to ask anything, and to talk about things beyond tennis.
It is extremely important to do things that bring you happiness beyond this sport because the world of sports, in general, comes with a lot of pressure and expectations. There are many things to deal with, and if you have nothing beyond tennis, it is very difficult for oneself to stay in that pressure zone all the time. It is important to do things like going out for dinner, spending time with your friends, going shopping, things that are not related to tennis so that your mind stays fresh at least half of the day."
- Beautiful words about Paula Badosa and the situation she faces with her current injury
"We just spoke right now, in the locker room, and she knows I am always there for her whenever she needs me. We are going out for dinner today and will talk much more. I always try to help her as much as I can, give her advice, but I also like to give her space. She knows that whenever she asks me for something, I'll be there, and I hope she returns to the top because I feel that's where she belongs, where she should be. I always wish her the best."
- What makes Madrid so good for her tennis: she has reached the final in four of the last five editions
"I think it's the people (smiles). I feel that people connect with me, support me a lot, which always makes me eager to return to Madrid, to feel that atmosphere. That's the key. And the food is amazing, that's all that matters to me, the support and the food (laughs)."
- Making bold changes throughout her career, like changing her forehand: how challenging is it?
"It's quite demanding, I think it's not easy to make such changes because you always try to protect your level, your ranking, your points. It's not easy: everything comes with experience, with the moment you feel you need to change something because otherwise other players will go after your weaknesses. That's the way to become a better player, to stay at the top, always trying to improve a little, to become better at your weaknesses, also to enhance your strengths, that's the process.
I think I embraced changes a lot when I struggled with the double faults issue. I believe that was the tipping point when I felt ready to change many things. I knew the advantage it could give me to solve it. You accept that maybe things will get worse during the process, but personally, I knew that if there was something that could give me more, you have to go through that phase and try to figure out if it's good, and if it is, go for it. It's very important, I believe, to listen to your instinct."
- Has she forgotten what it's like to lose, immersed in such a streak?
"You never forget the feeling of losing, honestly. I hate that feeling. I don't sleep, I hate it. It's the worst, so I never forget it, and that's why I always try to step on the court to give my best level because I don't want to deal with that feeling. However, this is sports and anything can happen. You have to hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. That's my mentality."
本新闻为自动翻译。您可以阅读原始新闻:Sabalenka y unas preciosas palabras hacia Badosa: "Sabe que estoy para ella siempre que me necesite"

