Aryna Sabalenka spoke to the media on Friday from the Roland-Garros grounds, striking a balance between caution and ambition. The world number one and top seed is still managing the aftermath of a shoulder issue sustained at the Rome Masters.
The Belarusian, last year's finalist in Paris, acknowledged that her preparation had been disrupted. "The last few days have been about adapting," she explained. "I am not at 100 percent, but I am at Roland-Garros and I am ready to fight." A statement that echoes her ability to perform under physical duress, having won the 2024 Australian Open despite a back injury.
In a revealing moment during her press conference, Sabalenka discussed training alongside her main rivals. "Communication is key," she said. "You train side by side with players you might face in the semifinals. You have to know what to show and what to keep to yourself." A candid insight into the reality of the women's tour, where players share practice slots at Grand Slam venues.
Her Roland-Garros story remains one of pursuit. A three-time Australian Open champion, Sabalenka has never lifted the Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen. Her 2025 final defeat to Iga Swiatek still lingers, and the four-time Paris champion awaits in the bottom half of the draw.
The bracket places Sabalenka in the same half as defending champion Coco Gauff, the fourth seed. A projected semifinal between the two would rank among the tournament's most anticipated showdowns. Gauff, fresh from her Rome final loss to Elina Svitolina, arrives with a mixed clay-court record this season.
Sabalenka opens on Sunday against a qualifier. If her shoulder cooperates, her ambitions remain fully intact. The last player to win Roland-Garros while managing a significant injury was Justine Hénin in 2007. The comparison flatters, but Sabalenka has proven time and again that she can turn adversity into fuel.
