It has been approximately ten and a half months since Aryna Sabalenka last competed on clay courts, a match that ended in a quarterfinal defeat at Roland Garros against young Mirra Andreeva.
Following 13 hard-court tournaments and one grass tournament in Berlin, the world`s top-ranked player is eager to begin her clay-court season at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Europe.
“I am glad to be back in Stuttgart,” Sabalenka stated to reporters on Tuesday. “I am feeling well and looking forward to playing on clay.”
Sabalenka smiled as she made this remark, aware that her anticipation would be prolonged for a few additional days.
As the top seed, Sabalenka had a bye in the first round of the 28-player draw. She was scheduled to face the winner of the match between Anastasia Potapova and Clara Tauson. Potapova won against Tauson in a long match, saving a match point.
However, this victory came at a cost. Potapova announced on Instagram that she had re-injured herself and had to withdraw from the tournament.
“I was concerned about Anastasia’s condition,” Sabalenka mentioned. “I contacted her and learned about the situation. I then realized my next match is on Saturday.”
Due to the Good Friday Easter holiday, the quarterfinals are moved to Saturday. Sabalenka will now play Elise Mertens, her former doubles partner. A potential semifinal match on Sunday could be against Coco Gauff or Jasmine Paolini.
“Yes, it is a bit unusual,” Sabalenka admitted. “But we have adjusted the practice schedule, and I suppose I will spend more time in the gym.”
So, Sabalenka will be working out while waiting to play. This is her fifth quarterfinal appearance in Stuttgart in five attempts.
Her objective is to finally win the title. Sabalenka has been close before, reaching the final three times. In 2021, she lost to Ashleigh Barty in three sets, and in the following two years, Iga Swiatek won the championship.
“I have lost three finals to players who were World No. 1,” Sabalenka commented. “So, I thought, ‘I have to win here. I have to return as World No. 1. Maybe that’s the key.’
“Of course, I remember those matches. They were tough. I will use it as motivation. If I reach the final, I will be extremely motivated and focused.”
Sabalenka has a record of 23 wins and 4 losses this year, having won titles at the Miami Open and Brisbane. She still thinks about her losses in the Australian Open and Indian Wells finals to Madison Keys and Andreeva.
When asked if this was her best season start, Sabalenka referred to 2023 and 2024, years when she won the Australian Open.
Many agree that her social media presence is better than ever. She has 2.7 million followers on Instagram, and her videos often get one million views. Sabalenka shared that she has help with her online content.
“I take all the photos and videos myself,” she explained. “But I have a team that helps me put it all together. A year ago, I would edit the videos myself, which took a lot of time. I decided to stop doing that.”
Now, Sabalenka and her team have some unexpected free time.
Rupert Caldwell