World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka gave her opinions on the Big 3 in the WTA ahead of her first-round match at the Madrid Open.
Except for the Australian Open, Sabalenka has not yet lifted another title this year, and her performance in the last two months made her feel that she is not a part of the Big 3, comprising her, World No. 1 Iga Swiatek, and World No. 4 Elena Rybakina.
Sabalenka said she doesn’t feel like being a part of the Big 3 because of her current form. Though she feels her form has dropped, the WTA beauty is not going to sit quietly and will give her best on the clay.
I feel like I kind of dropped my level a little bit (to be part of) the 'big three'. I feel like it's been a 'big two' in the last month. I would say that I'm pretty sure that I'll be there, and I'll be fighting for every point and if I have an opportunity, I'm sure I'm going to take it. Aryna Sabalenka told reporters
After the Australian Open, the current World No. 2 went on to play the Dubai Open, Indian Wells, Miami Open, and Stuttgart Open. She reached the quarterfinals of the Stuttgart Open but eventually lost to Marketa Vondrousova.
Aryna Sabalenka prefers men’s tennis over women’s
There has always been a debate over whether there is less coverage of WTA matches than men’s tennis. Aryna Sabalenka‘s recent comments on WTA matches also sparked debate.
Sabalenka did not shy away from confessing that she is among those who prefer watching men’s tennis over women’s, finding the former more “interesting.”
I’m not one to watch a lot of tennis. I prefer to watch men’s tennis than women’s rather. I feel there’s more logic, and it’s more interesting to watch. Aryna Sabalenka said at the press conference
Upon asking whether she keeps track of her rivals, Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina‘s matches, the Belarusian admitted that she doesn’t watch their games and only uses the images from games for analysis. To beat them, World No. 2’s mantra is always preparation. She wants to stay in the game, take advantage of the chances, and fight till the end.
Last time in Madrid, Sabalenka defeated the Pole in three sets 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the final to lift the title. The Belarusian is a two-time Grand Slam champion, having won the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024.
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