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Aryna Sabalenka Aims to Conquer Clay Courts This Season

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Aryna Sabalenka believes she has a big chance to perform well on clay this season, drawing inspiration from last year's Madrid Open final.



World number one Aryna Sabalenka is optimistic about her chances on clay this season, drawing inspiration from last year's Madrid Open final against Iga Swiatek. Despite losing that epic match, Sabalenka reflected on the experience, saying, “That match was a blockbuster, and I really enjoyed playing, it was very intense, very long.”


Sabalenka believes that if she can replicate the level of tennis she showed in the Madrid final, she'll have a strong chance to succeed on clay. “If I can play like that in every match on clay, I think I have big chances to perform well on the clay court season this year,” she added. Sabalenka is targeting a third Madrid Open crown and is looking to build on her past successes.


The Belarusian was gracious in defeat after last year's final, acknowledging Swiatek's superior play. “That was an amazing match, even though I lost it. Nothing I can be upset with, to be honest. I did my best there, and she just outplayed me.” Sabalenka's positivity and self-awareness will likely serve her well as she aims to excel on clay this season.


Aryna Sabalenka arrives in Madrid following a runner-up finish in Stuttgart, where she lost to Jelena Ostapenko in the final. The world No. 1, who has won the 2024 US and Australian Opens, is still seeking her first clay title since her 2023 Madrid triumph.


Sabalenka is set to begin her Madrid campaign in the second round against the winner of Anna Blinkova or Panna Udvardy. This season marks the introduction of live electronic line-calling on clay for the first time on the WTA and ATP tours, a decision that has received mixed reactions from players.


While some players appreciate the technology's potential to reduce disputes with umpires, others have raised concerns about its accuracy, noting discrepancies between the replay and the visible mark on the clay court.




Aryna Sabalenka expressed her preference for the Hawk-Eye system over human referees, citing concerns about their accuracy. “I prefer to have the Hawk-Eye system than the referee, because sometimes referees can be very weak to go there (to check the mark) and confirm that they made a mistake,” Sabalenka said.


In other news, Petra Kvitova's return to clay courts got off to a rocky start. The Czech veteran, who came back from a 17-month maternity leave two months ago, squandered a 4-1 double-break lead in her first-round match against American Katie Volynets. Kvitova ultimately lost the match 6-4, 6-0, marking a tough start to her clay-court campaign.



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