'He was an inspiration for me': Aryna Sabalenka lauds Rafael Nadal after emotional tribute

Aryna Sabalenka lauded Rafael Nadal as her inspiration after the emotional on-court tribute at the 2025 French Open on a day that also saw the Belarusian dazzle and shine against Kamilla Rakhimova.

Losing just one game, Sabalenka sealed victory over her to reach a second round against Jil Teichmann at Roland Garros and speaking to Tennis Channel afterwards, she spoke about feeling exhausted after Rome.

She lost there to Zheng Qinwen after winning Madrid and said she needed to recharge the batteries. But also it is about falling in love with Paris too for Sabalenka, something she admits she is learning to do as she aims to finally win the title.

“I think in Rome, I was kind of like exhausted. It was a lot, and I had a little break after Rome, a few days off. I enjoyed the city, enjoyed Paris, and I was back to work," said Sabalenka.

“I think physically I have to be ready to work hard for every point. Physically and mentally, I’ve been ready, so I’ll be very proud of myself at the end of the clay court season this year.

“I’m trying so hard to build the love here, and hopefully after one year I’ll be like okay I’m in love with this place.”

But while she won easy in the first round, she is not expecting it all to be plain sailing and it is match by match.

“I’m not really looking far in the draw. I’m trying to take it step by step, but of course nowadays it’s impossible not to know things.

“I saw the predictions, usually most of the time they never work, so I’m like whatever. Whatever the prediction is, I’m just gonna take it step by step.”

The Nadal tribute was an emotional affair and as expected, she was quizzed on it and she said that not only was he an inspiration to most but also to her too.

“He’s an inspiration for so many kids. He was an inspiration for me. To see the hard work he put in is just incredible. He’s a nice guy. He worked super hard to achieve everything he achieved. He’s definitely been my inspiration.”