They have broken many players because of this aggressive mindset," Sabalenka speaks on the training difference between Eastern Europe and others
Sabalenka quickly made her mark in the first round of Roland-Garros against Rakhimova (6-1, 6-0). World number one at 27, she had to fight hard to establish herself at the top level. Asked by the press after her victory, the Belarusian reflected on her journey, notably discussing the difference in environment between young players from America/Europe and those from Eastern Europe:
"This is a big question. I must say that because of the environment in Eastern European countries, we are probably much tougher. No matter who has gone through tough times, mentally and physically, she becomes much stronger.
The environment we have in our countries is difficult, with very harsh coaches. There is nothing good about how they work with their players. They are quite rough. Our mentality is much stronger, but at the same time, they have somewhat broken many players because of this aggressive mindset.
I think that in Europe and the United States, for example, the environment is much healthier. It probably comes from the family. The way they raise their children and how they push them. For me, it wasn't my parents who pushed me too much. The only request they had was to stop breaking the rackets.
And I didn't really follow that order [smile]. But I really say this because the Eastern European school is very tough. That’s why those who survive it often have the same character.
French Open 
Davis Cup: between reforms, criticism and national culture 
When tennis stars change courts: from Noah the singer to Safin the deputy, another match – the battle of reinvention 
As a laboratory for tomorrow’s tennis, does the Next Gen Masters have a future? 
Tennis: the little-known truths about the offseason, between rest, stress and physical survival 
