Sabalenka warns the competition at Roland-Garros: "I feel stronger than ever on clay"

Aryna Sabalenka solidified her world number one position a bit more in recent weeks. The Belarusian reached the final in Stuttgart (before losing to Jelena Ostapenko), won the title at the WTA 1000 in Madrid, and followed it with a quarterfinal in Rome, where she was defeated by Zheng Qinwen.

Sabalenka is certainly among the favorites to win the title at Roland-Garros. This is also the impression of the main player, who discussed her progress on clay in a press conference before facing Rakhimova in her opening match.

"I am very happy to be back. It's a very beautiful tournament and I can't wait to play my first match here. I feel like I have greatly improved my tennis on clay over the years.

Physically, mentally, and tennis-wise, I feel stronger than ever on clay. The ranking doesn't matter when it comes to a Grand Slam. We've seen it in the past, there have been surprises and disappointments in these tournaments for certain players.

I just try to focus on my game, and today I know I can succeed on clay. I feel very strong and super excited to be here, and I hope this will be the year where I am truly proud of myself on this surface.

I think at this stage of my career, it's about winning titles, big trophies, and I think you need to set very ambitious goals. Maybe sometimes really crazy goals.

It's certain that I prefer winning rather than just reaching the final because losing in the final is lame, I hate it and it sucks, so that's not my goal," she stated for Tennis World Italia.