“I’m Stronger Than Ever,” Aryna Sabalenka Aims for Back-to-Back Clay-Court Titles in Rome

Aryna Sabalenka beat Anastasia Potapova in straight sets to reach the third round of the Italian Open.

“I’m Stronger Than Ever,” Aryna Sabalenka Aims for Back-to-Back Clay-Court Titles in Rome

Aryna Sabalenka (image via X)

Aryna Sabalenka continues to make strides on clay, earning her 10th clay win of the season after defeating Anastasia Potapova at the Italian Open. The World No.1 has never won the Rome title in her career despite reaching the final once. She’s now focused on winning it this time around after claiming the Madrid Open.

Sabalenka has won three Grand Slam titles on hard courts, and though she has won big titles on clay, it has all come from the Madrid Open. In fact, she has claimed the Madrid Open thrice and recently won it before her 27th birthday. She’s considered second best on clay compared to Iga Swiatek, who has been dominant for the past three years.

She came close to winning the Italian Open last year after reaching the final, but ended up losing to Swiatek in the final. Sabalenka has also had a disappointing run at the French Open, and she’s yet to reach the final there. However, she continued with her clay form in Rome by beating Potapova 6-2, 6-2.

After the victory, Sabalenka revealed that she has improved her game on clay this season. The Belarusian added that she has also become stronger physically and mentally, while also expressing hope to win the Italian Open.

I definitely improved a lot in my game in the past years, and it’s really important to have this variety on the clay court. I think on the clay court, it’s more about being ready physically to work for every point. Right now, I’m stronger than ever, physically and mentally, and my game has improved a lot. So, I really hope this is the year where I’m going to look back on the clay-court season and be super proud of myself.

Aryna Sabalenka said via Rome Press

Sabalenka has been by far the best player in the women’s circuit this season. She has reached seven finals, while winning three of them. She has also reached 11,000 points at the top of the WTA rankings.

Aryna Sabalenka talks about experimenting with new style of shots in Rome

Aryna Sabalenka is known to be a one-speed player, always hitting powerful forehands, groundstrokes, and great serves. But against Anastasia Potapova, she embraced a variety of shots, hitting drop shots winners and backhands, experimenting with new styles. She revealed that she played with her instinct against the Russian.

Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

I’m playing with instinct. Whenever I feel like I can go for these kinds of shots, I go for them. I definitely feel confident in my game right now so I can kind of like, try new things in the game. Today, this shot with the jump didn’t work well. I hope next time I try it, it’s going to be a little bit better!

Aryna Sabalenka said

Sabalenka began experimenting with her shots during her practice session in Rome. She might have to continue it while attempting new ones in her next match, as she gets used to it.

Aryna Sabalenka aims to beat Sofia Kenin in the 3rd round

Aryna Sabalenka will face Sofia Kenin in the third round of the Italian Open. Though Sabalenka leads the American 3-1 in their head-to-head record, the single defeat came at the Italian Open in 2023. Kenin stunned the World No.1 in straight sets in the second round. The Belarusian admitted that she will be seeking revenge this time around.

Aryna Sabalenka Miami Open
Aryna Sabalenka (Image via Instagram @arynasabalenka)

That’s a good revenge then, a good opportunity to change that. I’ll try to do that.

Aryna Sabalenka said

While Sabalenka has enjoyed a great season, Kenin has also shown a great display on clay. She reached her first final of the season at the Charleston Open but lost to Jessica Pegula in the final.

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