World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka reveals major goal for the season as her Stuttgart debut awaits

Aryna Sabalenka has her sights set on one thing this spring: a breakthrough at Roland Garros. Speaking in Stuttgart, the world No. 1 did not hesitate when asked which Grand Slam she finds tougher between Wimbledon and the French Open.

“Probably mentally and physically, Roland Garros,” she said when asked which Grand Slam is more difficult to win. “But that’s my goal, and I’m working really hard. Hopefully, I can achieve that,” she said.

The Belarusian’s clay-court record includes a handful of deep runs, but only two titles. She won the Madrid Open in 2021 by defeating Ashleigh Barty and again in 2023 after beating Iga Swiatek. Despite consistent performances, including a semifinal showing at the French Open two years ago, Sabalenka has not yet translated her clay form into a Grand Slam title.

Her focus this year comes after a tough stretch in 2024, where she exited early from several key tournaments on clay. Still, Sabalenka remains determined. “I want to finally win the Porsche this year,” she said, referring to Stuttgart’s trophy, a car awarded to the champion. “I lost three finals here against No. 1s, so I was, like, ‘Okay, I have to come back here as the world No. 1.’”

Aryna Sabalenka in Roland Garros 2004 ( Tim Goode/Getty Images)

Sabalenka’s Stuttgart record includes three final appearances, each ending in defeat. She lost to Barty in 2021, then to Swiatek in both 2022 and 2023. This time, she enters the tournament as the top seed, leading a strong field in one of the most competitive events on the calendar outside the Grand Slams.

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Stuttgart campaign delayed but still on track

Sabalenka, who is coming from lifting the title in the Miami Open and being runner-up in Indian Wells, has yet to play her first match in Stuttgart due to an unexpected change in the draw. As one of the top four seeds, she received a bye into the second round. However, after her opponent Anastasia Potapova withdrew, her debut was delayed until the weekend.

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She will now play against veteran Elise Mertens on Saturday. Despite the disruption, Sabalenka appears focused and motivated as she begins her clay season. With Madrid and Rome still to come, the world No. 1 is aiming to build momentum ahead of her main goal: winning the French Open.