Madrid (Spain) – Winner of the first Grand Slam of the season at the Australian Open, Aryna Sabalenka has managed just four victories since winning her second title in Melbourne. And aware of the results below her expectations in recent months, the current number 2 in the world feels below her two main competitors, Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina. When talking about the formation of a “Big Three” in women’s tennis, she recognizes that her rivals’ moment is better.
“I feel like I lowered my level a little compared to this Big Three. I believe that last month, they formed a Big Two”, commented Sabalenka about the opponents. Swiatek has already won two WTA 1000 titles this season, in Doha and Indian Wells, while Rybakina has three 500 titles, in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi and Stuttgart and two more 1000 finals in 2024.
Current champion in Madrid, Sabalenka was asked about regaining her confidence at the start of the clay season. “It’s not about being confident, it’s about how ready you are to win. It’s all about working hard and being ready for the big games.”
“I feel like confidence isn’t going to help that much in these games. I’m the one who has to fight for this. I will fight for every point and if I have an opportunity, I will try to take advantage of them. That’s my mentality going into the clay season this year,” said the 25-year-old player.
Victory in three sets in the debut in Madrid
Sabalenka debuted in Madrid, winning the Polish Magda Linette, 48th in the ranking, by 6/4, 3/6 and 6/3 in 2h09 of play. The Belarusian went through some moments of instability on her serve, as despite 10 aces, she also made six double faults. She faced nine break-points, but only suffered one break.
“She is a very difficult opponent. I’ve played a few games against her and today was another tough game. I also suffered some ups and downs, but I’m pleased to have managed to close this match and advance to the stage”, explains the former ranking leader, who scored her fourth victory against Linette.
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Sabalenka’s opponent in the third round will be the young American Robin Montgomery, a 19-year-old left-hander and 183rd in the rankings, who beat the British Katie Boulter, 28th in the world, by 1/6, 6/3 and 6/4. Invited to the tournament, Montgomery had already defeated Russian Elina Avanesyan, 65th placed, in the tournament. The confrontation with the runner-up in the ranking is unprecedented on the circuit.
Dispute for second place in the ranking with Gauff and Rybakina
With the mission of defending a thousand points in the ranking in Madrid, Sabalenka’s second place in the ranking is threatened by Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina, numbers 3 and 4 in the world. The Belarusian needs to reach at least the semi-finals to avoid being overtaken by Gauff. And she could also lose her position to Rybakina if the Kazakh wins the title.
There is even a chance that the Belarusian will end the week in fourth place in the rankings. For that to happen, she would have to lose before the round of 16 in Madrid and see Rybakina reach the final of the tournament. If the Belarusian reaches the decision against Gauff, the champion will be ranked number 2.
Check out the possible scenarios for number 2 in the ranking
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Current champion in Madrid, Sabalenka has work to do on her debut
