Roland-Garros 2024: Aryna Sabalenka inspired by the exploits of Iga Swiatek at Roland-Garros

World number 2 Aryna Sabalenka says she is inspired by Iga ÅšwiÄtek’s incredible achievements at Roland Garros. In 2020, Swiatek won the major clay court tournament for the first time as a teenager. After winning back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023 at Roland Garros, Swiatek will look to win a hat-trick of titles.

While praising the Polish world No.1, Sabalenka also spoke about focusing on her own game and making improvements. After accumulating back-to-back Australian Open titlesBelarusian Sabalenka will aim to make a name for herself on clay as well.

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Ahead of her first-round match Sunday against Russian Erika Andreeva, Sabalenka said she had the energy to meet the challenges head on.

“Gives me more energy”

“I guess the answer is just not to focus on that. I focus on myself, on the things that I need to improve and that I need to get better at, so I have a chance against her on clay and especially here at Roland Garros”, Sabalenka told reporters.

“She achieved incredible results at Roland Garros, and I take that as a challenge, and I like to accept difficult challenges. That’s what motivates me and gives me more energy to continue, to continue to push myself. fight for what I think I can achieve”, » said Sabalenka.

The rivalry between Swiatek and Sabalenka has grown over the years. The Pole has a huge 8-3 lead over Sabalenka in 11 matches, but the latter has brought her opponent closer on several occasions. Recently, Swiatek won the Madrid and Rome tournaments after defeating Sabalenka in the final.

However, Sabalenka said that besides Swiatek, the likes of Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff can also pose tough challenges to oppositions.

“I think the rivalry we have with Iga is incredible, and I would also mention Elena (Rybakina), and there are so many girls who are doing so well, like Coco (Gauff). It’s not like we are only two”, Sabalenka added.